Twins Rally Past Brewers on Kaelen Culpepper’s Debut Home Run

Kansas State native Kaelen Culpepper, the Twins’ No. 2 prospect in their Top 30 and No. 29 overall per MLB Pipeline, was drafted 21st overall in 2024. After a .271/.367/.478 line with 14 homers in Triple-A St. Paul, he was called up when right-hander Joe Ryan landed on the 15-day IL with a left-glute strain.

ESPN

In front of a sellout crowd at American Family Field, Milwaukee jumped to a 4-0 lead. The Twins cut it to 4-2 in the third on a two-run homer by Josh Bell. In the fourth, Culpepper faced Shane Drohan with an 0-2 count and launched a 390-foot solo shot, making it 4-3. Minnesota tied the game later that inning and took a 6-4 lead in the fifth on a go-ahead single by Luke Keaschall. Two more runs in the sixth sealed an 8-6 win, snapping Milwaukee’s four-game streak and keeping the Twins within a game of .500.

Bozeman Daily Chronicle

• Pitch: 0-2 fastball, 100.2 mph, 390 ft (Statcast) – Culpepper’s first MLB hit.

Former K-State, Wind Surge infielder Culppere called up by Twins

• Culpepper’s line: 1-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI.

Former K-State, Wind Surge infielder Culppere called up by Twins

• Starting pitcher Zebby Matthews (5-8) allowed six runs (three earned) on seven hits in five innings; relievers gave up two hits after the fifth.

Bozeman Daily Chronicle

Manager Derek Shelton praised Culpepper’s readiness and noted the club’s focus on defensive improvement. He cautioned against over-inflating expectations, emphasizing the call-up addressed a roster need. Shelton said the team will monitor Ryan’s recovery before setting a return timeline.

ESPN

• “It definitely felt great, you know what I mean?” — Kaelen Culpepper

Former K-State, Wind Surge infielder Culppere called up by Twins

• May 30, 2026 – Culpepper’s final 25 Triple-A games: .326 average, .413 OBP, .908 OPS.

The Twins Finally Called for Kaelen Culpepper

• August 7, 2026 – MLB debut; solo home run sparks Twins comeback win.

Former Wildcat Kaelen Culpepper homers for first hit in MLB Debut

The Twins will start right-hander Taj Bradley (9-4, 3.69 ERA) against Brewers left-hander Robert Gasser (3-4, 4.48 ERA) in the series finale on Saturday, staying focused on the wild-card chase while managing rotation health.

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