The Twins don't have a ton of drama left in the American League Central race, but there is plenty of intrigue on how they will fill their 26-man playoff roster.
Several players are nearing rehab assignments and will put themselves in consideration for the postseason. Then there are wild cards, like pitcher Chris Paddack, who hasn't played in the major leagues for more than a year but hopes to factor into the bullpen mix.
Six of the eight teams that played in the best-of-three Wild Card Series last year opted to carry 14 position players and 12 pitchers. If the Twins follow those same numbers, there are a few positional battles to play out over the final weeks of the season.
Here's a look at where a potential playoff roster stands:
Position player locks (13): Ryan Jeffers, Christian Vázquez, Alex Kirilloff, Edouard Julien, Jorge Polanco, Carlos Correa, Royce Lewis, Max Kepler, Michael A. Taylor, Matt Wallner, Willi Castro, Donovan Solano, and Kyle Farmer.
Bubble (1 open spot): Byron Buxton, Jordan Luplow, Joey Gallo, Andrew Stevenson and Nick Gordon.
Apart from minor injuries, the Twins have stuck with their 13 roster locks throughout the second half of the season. Taylor is expected to be activated from the injured list on the current road trip. Wallner sat against a righthanded starting pitcher this week because of a slump, but he's drawing walks and possesses a strong arm.
Buxton's health is the biggest question on the roster after his rehab assignment was cut short Sept. 1. The Twins haven't ruled out a return this season after he received a cortisone shot in his right knee Sunday, but the calendar won't allow any setbacks. If Buxton returns, there is room for him to at least start as the designated hitter against lefthanded pitching.