Littell was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Littell struggled through his first two outings of the year, allowing four runs on six hits and three walks while striking out just one over three innings. It's not yet clear when he's expected to return. Jorge Alcala was recalled to take his place in the bullpen.

Littell threw three innings in Tuesday's scrimmage and could be used in longer outings the season, MLB.com reports. "With a guy like Zack, and some other guys that have been starters for us that may find themselves in the bullpen, having the ability to give you an inning or three is gonna be something that's gonna be beneficial to us," Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said.

EDGE Analysis

Littell improved in his second season in the majors last year (2.68 ERA) due to increased velocity (93.8 mph average fastball), reduced walks (6.2%) and keeping the ball in the park (0.97 HR/9). It looks like he will win a role as a middle reliever and could be used for longer outings if a starter is unable to pitch long into games as they ramp up.

Littell set a new personal high by hitting 97.3 mph with his fastball during Grapefruit League play, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

He did not allow a run while striking out nine and giving up three hits and four walks over seven innings. Seemingly everyone in the Twins' bullpen upped their fastball velocity this spring, and while the 97.3 mph reading was on one pitch, Park notes that Littell's average fastball velocity was also up over his 94 mph average fastball velocity from 2019.

Littell struck out three batters in two scoreless innings in Saturday's spring training loss to Pittsburgh. He has eight strikeouts in five innings this spring with no walks and one earned run allowed.

EDGE Analysis

Littell improved in his second season in the majors last year (2.68 ERA) due to increased velocity (93.8 mph average fastball), reduced walks (6.2%) and keeping the ball in the park (0.97 HR/9). He looks set to secure a role in middle relief.

Littell was recalled by the Twins on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Littell has split time between Triple-A Rochester and the major-league club this season. In Minnesota, he's managed a 3.60 ERA and 1.24 WHIP with 22 strikeouts across 25 innings out of the bullpen.

Littell was optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

He logged 6.2 scoreless innings with five strikeouts and one walk in five appearances during this latest stint in the majors. Look for him to rejoin the big-league bullpen when rosters expand in September.

Littell was optioned to Triple-A Rochester following Sunday's game against the Athletics, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Littell retired a batter on five pitches in Sunday's contest, but the Twins will send him to the minors to get a fresh arm on the 25-man roster. A corresponding move has yet to be announced.

The Twins recalled Littell from Triple-A Rochester following Tuesday's 8-6 loss to the Athletics, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Minnesota shuttled Jake Odorizzi (finger) to the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move, allowing Littell to stick around as an extra arm in the bullpen until a replacement in the rotation is needed for Odorizzi on Sunday versus the Rangers. Though Littell has made seven starts for Rochester this season, he has exceeded three innings in just one appearance in either Triple-A or the majors since May 19 and probably won't be in consideration for a spot start.

Littell was optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Friday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Littell's two-week stint with the big club was largely uneventful -- he made a total of three appearances, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out two over four scoreless innings. Expect Littell to remain on the shuttle up and down until rosters expand in September, providing a fresh arm when needed.

Littell was recalled from Triple-A Rochester on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

In four appearances with Triple-A Rochester since being optioned back down June 2, the right-hander amassed a 2.35 ERA with a 0.52 WHIP and 13:1 K:BB in 7.2 innings pitched. He'll likely pitch in mostly low-leverage situations, and could find himself back in the minors once Adalberto Mejia (calf) is ready to return. Fernando Romero was optioned to Triple-A Rochester to make room for Littell.