Sam

Dyson

The investigation into Dyson’s conduct began back in November of 2019 after his ex-girlfriend, Alexis Blackburn, alluded to domestic violence incidents involving an unnamed person. Dyson, 32, is currently a free agent.

The investigation arose after a pair of Instagram posts authored by Dyson’s ex-girlfriend, Alexis Blackburn, who alluded to domestic violence incidents involving an unnamed person. Sources say that Major League Baseball was made aware of the situation earlier this week and that they plan to talk with Blackburn in the near future as they complete their investigation. MLB has the ability to levy a suspension even if the player is not charged with or convicted of a crime.

Dyson is now a free agent. The reliever underwent capsule repair surgery on his right shoulder in September and is likely to miss most or all of the 2020 season. Dyson split the 2019 season between the Giants and Twins, going 5-1 with a 3.32 ERA in 61 games. Dyson was eligible for arbitration and it would have cost the Twins more than $6 million to keep him on their roster.

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli noted on Wednesday that this procedure can require up to 12 months of rest and rehab, so Dyson may very well be sidelined through the 2020 campaign. Acquired from the Giants at the July 31 trade deadline, the right-hander struggled to a 7.15 ERA in 12 relief appearances with Minnesota. He’ll be a non-tender candidate this winter.

He is slated to see Dr. Neal ElAttrache the week after next, which would seemingly indicate that he is unlikely to return to action before the regular season ends. The reliever pitched very well for the Giants earlier this year and was traded to the Twins at the deadline. He’s been ineffective since joining the Twins and last pitched in a game on September 3. Dyson is eligible for arbitration for the final time this winter and will be a free agent after next season.

Dyson missed a week and a half with a biceps issue last month and said the feeling is similar this time around. In other words, he should have a shot to return this season, but the Twins probably aren’t counting on much from him at this point.

“Just trying to get out ahead” of the problem, chief baseball officer Derek Falvey said. Dyson spent time on the injured list because of a biceps injury in August, so it obviously makes sense for the Twins to take precautions with the reliever. Hopefully for the Twins and Dyson, a little rest and treatment will finally solve the issue.

Though Dyson was horrible in two appearances before landing on the IL, the Twins went with him in a big situation tonight and he retired Keston Hiura, Christian Yelich and Ryan Braun in order in the eighth. It bodes well for him getting back into the mix for saves.

Dyson probably won’t see save chances right away after debuting with consecutive terrible outings for the Twins earlier this month. He could be a factor in the ninth if he’s able to string together a few quality performances.

Dyson landed on the injured list August 4, retroactive to August 3, after making two dreadful appearances for the Twins, who acquired him from the Giants at the July 31 trade deadline. He threw a full bullpen session Saturday without experiencing any discomfort in his right biceps.