Former Reds starter Tyler Mahle hits the IL for a second time with the Twins

Perhaps the Cincinnati Reds traded Tyler Mahle at just the right time. The right-hander, now with the Minnesota Twins, has hit the Injured List for the second time in less than a month.

Mahle, in his first game back from the IL, exited after just two innings Saturday night. The injury has been called shoulder inflammation. A shoulder strain shelved Mahle for three while he was still with the Reds back in July.

This is not good news for Mahle or the Twins, who currently trail the Cleveland Guardians in the chase for the American League Central Division. If Minnesota hopes to overtake the Guardians for first-place and spot in the postseason, they'll need Mahle back as soon as possible.

Former Reds starter Tyler Mahle hits the IL for a 2nd time with the Twins.

The Cincinnati Reds worked out a deal with the Minnesota Twins at the August 2nd trade deadline that send Tyler Mahle to the Twin Cities. In exchange, the Twins shipped newly promoted infielder Spencer Steer to the Reds. Along with Steer, Cincinnati also secured the services of infield prospect Christian Encarncion-Strand and pitcher Steve Hajjar.

Minnesota, who went all-in during the offseason by signing superstar shortstop Carlos Correa and trading for former Cincinnati Reds' All-Star Sonny Gray, rolled the dice at the deadline and may have come short.

Mahle was expected to form a 1-2 punch with Gray atop the rotation. In Mahle's first three games with the Twins, all wins by the way, the right-hander owned a 2.51 ERA. But this latest setback may put Mahle's seasons in jeopardy.

Tyler Mahle is under contract through next season, so even if this latest trip to the IL ends his 2022 campaign, all hope is not lost for the Minnesota Twins. For the Cincinnati Reds, Spencer Steer appears to have an advanced approach the plate, Christian Encarnacion-Strand has gap-to-gap power, and Steve Hajjar has 10 strikeouts in seven innings of work at High-A Dayton.