Justin Topa
YEARTEAMGGSCGSHOWLSIPHitsERSOBBHRERA
2024Ark Angels57000354163.23620115382.83
MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Apr 19 2025Topa will open Saturday's game against Atlanta, Phil Miller of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa has given up just one run in 6.2 innings this season, and he'll now be tasked with facing the top of Atlanta's lineup Saturday in what will be the first start of his major-league career. The 34-year-old righty will likely remain in the game for just one inning before handing things over to Simeon Woods Richardson, who is due to pitch in bulk relief.
Mar 17 2025Topa (shoulder) gave up a run with two strikeouts in an inning in Monday's spring training loss to Pittsburgh. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa left an outing March 6 due to right shoulder tightness. He had been throwing in minor league games, but his return to a major league game likely signals he'll be ready for Opening Day. Topa will look to re-establish himself as a key setup man after throwing just 2.1 innings last season due to a left knee injury.
Mar 16 2025Topa (shoulder) is scheduled to pitch Monday against Pittsburgh, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.. He threw 22 pitches Friday in a minor-league game. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa left an outing March 6 due to right shoulder tightness. It sounds like he's making progress and could avoid beginning the season on the injured list.
Mar 12 2025Topa (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Tuesday, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa left Wednesday's game due to right shoulder tightness. He said the move was largely precautionary and he did not have an MRI. Topa expects to throw again Friday. While he's making progress, it's not clear if he'll be ready for Opening Day.
Mar 8 2025Topa is dealing with right shoulder tightness, but he has not needed an MRI, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa left Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles due to right shoulder tightness. This doesn't sound like a serious injury, but it could land him on the injured list to begin the season as he works his way back into regular season form.
Mar 6 2025Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said that Topa was removed from Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles due to right shoulder tightness, Bobby Nightengale of The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa served up a home run and tossed just seven pitches before meeting with a trainer on the mound and then getting pulled from the contest. Baldelli said Topa's shoulder will be further evaluated Thursday, and while the skipper is hopeful that the right-hander isn't dealing with anything overly serious, it could affect his availability for Opening Day. The 33-year-old has had rotten luck on the injury front during his career, having missed most of the 2024 season due to torn patella tendon in his right knee and having previously required a flexor tendon surgery and two Tommy John surgeries for his elbow.
Mar 5 2025Topa was removed from Wednesday's Cactus League appearance against the Orioles with an apparent injury, Bobby Nightengale of The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa threw only seven pitches in the outing, and he surrendered a solo home run while showing diminished velocity. The reliever made just three appearances for the Twins in 2024 while dealing with knee and elbow problems. His status should be updated by the club in the near future.
Nov 22 2024Topa agreed to a one-year deal with the Twins on Friday to avoid arbitration. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa started the 2024 regular season on the Twins' 15-day injured list due to left patellar tendinitis, and he was transferred to the 60-day IL in late May after an MRI revealed a small tear in his left patellar tendon. Topa managed to return from the injured list Sept. 25, and across three outings he threw 2.1 scoreless innings while striking out two batters and allowing one hit. The 33-year-old right-hander should be good to go for spring training.
Sep 25 2024The Twins reinstated Topa (elbow) from the 60-day injured list Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa has been on the injured list all season while working his way back from a torn patellar tendon he suffered during spring training and an elbow issue that appeared during a rehab assignment in August. He's surrendered three earned runs over two innings since restarting his minor-league assignment Friday, but he's been given the green light to return to Minnesota's bullpen for the team's final playoff push. Given the amount of time he's missed, the 33-year-old righty will likely be limited to middle relief. Cole Irvin was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.
Sep 24 2024Topa (knee/elbow) said Tuesday that he feels ready to return after making two rehab appearances with Triple-A St. Paul, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa allowed three runs in the first of those outings before bouncing back with two strikeouts in a scoreless frame in the second appearance. He's been out all season, first while recovering from a torn patellar tendon in his left knee and more recently due to right elbow inflammation. While Topa appears healthy now, it's unclear how eager the Twins would be to throw him into action during the final week of the season when they're pushing for a playoff spot.
Sep 14 2024Topa (knee/elbow) threw 30 pitches in a bullpen session Saturday, MLB.com reports. It was his third bullpen session in the past week. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa hopes to face live hitters in a few days and then try to pitch in a rehab game with Triple-A St. Paul in late September. Topa still hopes to pitch in the majors this season, but he still has several more steps to go. Topa has resided on the injured list all season, first while recovering from a torn patellar tendon in his left knee before being pulled off a rehab assignment in August due to right elbow inflammation.
Aug 25 2024Topa (knee) has resumed playing catch, Bobby Nightengale of the Minnesota Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa missed the first four months of the season due to a tear in the patellar tendon of his left knee. He began a rehab assignment July 23 but was shut down Aug. 10 due to right elbow inflammation. Topa remains optimistic that he can return this season, but he still likely has several weeks of building up his throwing even before he could start a rehab assignment.
Aug 16 2024Topa (elbow) had a setback when he experienced soreness while playing catch, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa missed the first four months of the season due to a tear in the patellar tendon of his left knee. He began a rehab assignment July 23 but was shut down Aug. 10 due to right elbow inflammation. It seems unlikely that he'll be able to return from the injured list before the regular season ends.
Aug 13 2024An MRI on Topa's right elbow showed inflammation, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa had his minor league rehab assignment shut down Saturday after experiencing tightness in his right arm. The right-hander has been on assignment since July 23 as part of his recovery from a tear in the patellar tendon of his left knee. He's yet to make his 2024 major league debut. Topa says he shouldn't be out too long, but it's not clear he'll even be able to return this season.
Aug 10 2024Topa (knee) was returned from his minor-league rehab assignment Saturday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa has shown decreased velocity recently, and it's been revealed that he's been battling arm fatigue. The right-hander has been on assignment since July 23 as part of his recovery from a tear in the patellar tendon of his left knee. He's yet to make his 2024 debut. While it's unclear how far the arm fatigue will set him back, Topa shouldn't be expected back any time soon.
Aug 9 2024Topa (knee) has thrown six scoreless innings at Triple-A St. Paul during his current rehab assignment, but he isn't seen ready to be activated from the injured list due to decreased velocity, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's telling that the Twins have not activated Topa from the injured list despite several injuries on the pitching staff in the past week. Topa hasn't pitched in the majors this season due to a small tear in the patellar tendon of his left knee, which required a platelet-rich plasma injection in mid-May. He started a rehab assignment July 23. It's not clear how much longer he'll need at Triple-A or what kind of progress he'll need to show to be activated from the injured list.
Jul 23 2024Topa (knee) will start a rehab assignment with Single-A Fort Meyers on Tuesday, Brandon Warne of Access Twins reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa hasn't played in 2024 due to a tear in the patellar tendon of his left knee, but he'll see his first in-game action since being returned from a rehab assignment in early May. The reliever will likely need several rehab appearances before being activated, and it's likely he won't be back in action until August.
Jul 5 2024Topa (knee) threw a 20-pitch bullpen session Wednesday and is expected to throw again Saturday, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa has been out all season with a small tear in the patellar tendon of his left knee and had a platelet-rich plasma injection in mid-May. He still will likely need to throw several more bullpen sessions before he can go out on a rehab assignment.
Jul 2 2024Topa (knee) will throw two bullpen sessions this week, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa has been out all season with a small tear in the patellar tendon of his left knee, but he seems to be inching closer to a return. The reliever will need to face hitters and make a handful of rehab appearances before a clear return date can come into focus.
Jun 25 2024Topa (left patellar tear) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session next week, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander was diagnosed with a small tear in the patellar tendon of his left knee in mid-May. It's his first sign of progress since the injury and he likely has several more weeks of throwing before he can begin a rehab assignment. He could return in late July if all goes well.
May 28 2024The Twins transferred Topa from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Tuesday with left patellar tendinitis. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander was diagnosed with a small tear in the patellar tendon of his left knee in mid-May and isn't expected to resume throwing for another month, so a move to the 60-day IL isn't much of a surprise. Topa was a key bullpen piece for Seattle last season with a 2.61 ERA and 24 holds in 75 appearances, but he's been sidelined by knee issues since late in spring training and won't be debuting for Minnesota until midseason, at least.
May 14 2024An MRI revealed Tuesday that Topa has a 25 percent tear in his left patellar tendon and will be immobilized for another week before trying to ramp up, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After getting a second opinion on the injury, Topa decided to receive a PRP injection instead of undergoing surgery. He's currently on crutches and will be immobile for a week, but he'll attempt to ramp up afterward. Topa had felt discomfort in his knee during a three-inning rehab start on May 5 and was close to returning prior to the setback.
May 8 2024Topa underwent an MRI on his left knee after feeling soreness following his last rehab appearance with Triple-A St. Paul on Sunday, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa was able to throw a bullpen session Wednesday, so his setback would appear to be a minor one. However, the reliever is still awaiting results of the MRI before determining the next steps. Topa had been poised to be activated from the 15-day injured list soon before hitting a snag in his recovery.
May 4 2024Topa (knee) reached 94 mph during a rehab assignment Friday at Triple-A St. Paul and will make another appearance on May 5, MLB.com reports. He's given up two runs in three innings with five strikeouts and no walks during three rehab outings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa began the season on the shelf with left patellar tendinitis and it's taken him longer than initially expected to return. He had lower than usual velocity in his first two outings, so he may finally be ready to be activated from the injured list in a few days.
Apr 25 2024Topa (knee) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul on Thursday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa opened the season on the shelf with left patellar tendinitis but has been cleared to test himself in a game setting. The reliever presumably will need multiple rehab appearances before returning from the 15-day injured list and slotting back into the Minnesota bullpen.
Apr 23 2024Topa (knee) threw a 20-pitch live batting practice session Tuesday, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Everything seemed to go as hoped, which means Topa should be able to begin a rehab assignment any day now. He's been out since late March with left patellar tendinitis and figures to require a handful of rehab appearances before being activated.
Apr 20 2024Topa (knee) will throw live batting practice Tuesday, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: If Topa is able to get through BP without any issues, it's possible the Twins send him out on a rehab assignment. He's been on the injured list since the beginning of the season due to left patellar tendinitis, so he would likely require multiple appearances in the minors, but it appears the 33-year-old righty isn't too far away from rejoining the Twins' bullpen.
Apr 10 2024Topa (left patellar tendinitis) plans to throw a bullpen session Saturday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa was placed on the 15-day injured list at the end of spring training with left patellar tendinitis. He started playing catch last Saturday and it sounds like he could return at some point in April.
Apr 6 2024Topa played catch from 75 feet on Saturday and has been pain-free in his left knee, MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa was placed on the 15-day injured list at the end of spring training with left patellar tendinitis. He'll start throwing more over the next week and then will get a timetable to begin a rehab stint in the minors.
Mar 28 2024Minnesota placed Topa on the 15-day injured list Thursday with left patellar tendinitis. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With closer Jhoan Duran also opening the season on the IL with an oblique strain that will likely keep him sidelined for most of April, Topa might have been in position to cover some high-leverage innings out of the bullpen early in the season, but his own knee issue will foil those plans. Topa and Duran are joined on the shelf by four other relievers, leaving Griffin Jax and Brock Stewart as the most likely options to factor into the mix for saves in the first few weeks of the season.
Mar 24 2024Topa will begin the season on the injured list after being diagnosed with knee tendinitis Sunday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander believes he can pitch through the injury, but the Twins will instead play it safe to start the season. Topa, who was acquired from Seattle as part of the return package for Jorge Polanco, recorded three saves and 24 holds with a 2.61 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 61:18 K:BB across 69 innings last season with the Mariners.
Jan 29 2024Topa, Anthony DeSclafani, Gabriel Gonzalez and Darren Bowen were traded from the Mariners to the Twins on Monday in exchange for Jorge Polanco, Kiley McDaniel of ESPN.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa appeared in a career-high 75 games during the 2023 season with the Mariners and didn't disappoint. He posted a 2.61 ERA and 1.14 WHIP with a 61:18 K:BB across 69.0 innings and should be a top candidate to see high-leverage opportunities with Minnesota heading into the 2024 campaign alongside Griffin Jax.
Jan 11 2024The Mariners and Topa avoided arbitration by agreeing to a $1.25 million contract Thursday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa was in his first year of arbitration eligibility. The 32-year-old had a breakout season with the Mariners in 2023, posting a 2.61 ERA and 61:18 K:BB over 69 innings. He will handle high-leverage situations for Seattle again in 2024.
Sep 20 2023Topa walked one and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Wednesday to record his third save of the season in a 6-3 win over the A's. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Andres Munoz handled the eighth inning in this one, leaving the ninth to Topa, and the 32-year-old came through with his first save since July 22. Topa's numbers have taken a bit of a step back in September, but he still has a solid 3.48 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 7:3 K:BB through 10.1 innings on the month while adding a win and a hold to Wednesday's save over 10 appearances.
Sep 3 2023Topa (5-4) got the win against the Mets on Saturday, firing 1.1 scoreless innings during which he allowed two hits and did not issue a walk or record a strikeout. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa put out the fire upon entering in the eighth, inducing an inning-ending groundout from Pete Alonso with Jeff McNeil on third in a 7-7 tie. J.P. Crawford's ninth-inning solo shot would snap the deadlock and put Topa in position for the victory, which he subsequently earned during a busy final frame that saw him work around two singles. The right-hander now has three wins in his last five appearances -- including in back-to-back outings -- and he's also garnered six holds dating back to Aug. 15.
Aug 31 2023Topa (4-4) secured the win over the Athletics on Wednesday, allowing an earned run on two hits over one inning. He did not issue any walks or record a strikeout. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa got a true backdoor victory to even his season mark, as he actually failed to protect the 3-3 tie he was tasked with preserving by allowing doubles to Aledmys Diaz and Esteury Ruiz during his one inning. However, Topa was able to escape the frame without further damage when Ruiz was thrown out at home on a Ryan Noda flyout, and he then became the pitcher of record when the Mariners took the lead for good with a two-run rally in the home half of the frame. The stumble actually snapped what had been a 26-appearance stretch for Topa without allowing an earned run that dated back to June 27.
Aug 24 2023Topa (3-4) took the extra-inning loss against the White Sox on Wednesday, allowing an unearned run without retiring a batter. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa was in for all of two pitches in the 10th inning, and although he induced a groundout from Elvis Andrus, J.P. Crawford's throwing error on the play allowed inning-opening runner Tim Anderson to score the winning run for Chicago. The run was the first of any kind on Topa's line since July 22, a span of 13.1 innings across 13 appearances.
Aug 23 2023Topa (3-3) got the victory over the White Sox on Tuesday, firing 1.1 perfect innings during which he recorded a strikeout. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa breezed through his brief time in the game, impressively firing nine of his 11 pitches for strikes while getting Eloy Jimenez on an inning-ending groundout with two aboard when he first entered in the seventh. The right-hander hasn't allowed a run since July 22, a span of 13.1 innings during which he's recorded two wins overall alongside seven holds.
Aug 3 2023Topa, who recorded his 17th hold in Wednesday's win over the Red Sox with a scoreless one-third of an inning, could see some closing opportunities in the wake of Paul Sewald's trade to the Diamondbacks on Monday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa was called on to get the last out of the eighth inning Wednesday with the Mariners holding a three-run lead, but Kramer notes the 32-year-old could occasionally see higher-leverage opportunities than that the rest of the way. Topa has given up just four earned runs across the 16.2 innings covering his last 20 appearances while producing a 16:3 K:BB, and his 59.8 percent groundball rate for the season speaks to his ability to keep the ball down. Topa has primarily been called on for seventh- and eighth-inning work thus far, yet with manager Scott Servais noting he'll "mix and match" to an extent with the closer role moving forward, the right-hander could get some save chances as well.
Jul 23 2023Topa gave up a run on three hits while striking out one in the ninth inning of Saturday's 9-8 win over the Blue Jays, recording his second save of the season. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paul Sewald had pitched Thursday and Friday, while Andres Munoz and Matt Brash had both worked earlier in Saturday's contest, leaving Topa to get a rare save chance. The right-hander got the job done, although he got tagged for his first earned run in nearly a month while doing so. Topa has been a solid addition to the Seattle bullpen this season, posting a 2.84 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 36:11 K:BB through 38 innings while collecting 14 holds and a win in 42 appearances in addition to his two saves.
Jun 25 2023Topa (1-3) took the extra-inning loss against the Orioles on Saturday, allowing two runs (one earned) on one hit over one-third of an inning. He did not issue a walk or record a strikeout. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa's blink-and-you-missed-it 10th-inning stint on the mound spanned all of seven pitches, with Ryan McKenna hitting a game-winning two-run home run after Adley Rutschman had flied out to start the frame. The 32-year-old right-hander had produced scoreless efforts in seven of his previous eight trips to the mound, and despite Saturday's stumble, his solid 3.34 ERA and 13 holds across a career-high 32 appearances are all encouraging figures from a fantasy perspective.
Jun 1 2023Topa (1-2) earned the win over the Yankees on Wednesday after pitching a scoreless inning. He walked one batter and struck out one. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa entered the game in the 10th inning after the game remained scoreless after nine. An error and a walk loaded the bases for the Yankees with one out, but Topa was able to work his way around the trouble and concluded the frame by striking out Franchy Cordero. The 32-year-old garnered his first win of the year when the Mariners walked it off in the bottom of the inning. Topa now owns a 3.32 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 22:8 K:BB to go along with 10 holds and a save in 24 appearances so far this year.
May 7 2023Topa allowed one hit in a scoreless inning against Houston on Sunday. He struck out one and earned a save. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa worked around a leadoff single to finish off a quick inning and secure the 3-1 victory. He's been a terrific addition to Seattle's bullpen since his promotion in early April, posting a 1.29 ERA and a 14:5 K:BB through 14 frames. Tops has seven holds and has now converted one of two save chances. Paul Sewald allowed two runs Saturday and did not appear in Sunday's win.
Jan 7 2023Topa was traded from the Brewers to the Mariners on Saturday in exchange for Joseph Hernandez. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 31-year-old righty already has two Tommy John surgeries on his resume and has logged 18.1 innings over the past three MLB seasons. The high point of his value was after the 2020 season, when he was dominant across six appearances. He should work in low-leverage situations for the Mariners, as they try to help him recapture his form from a couple years ago.
Oct 3 2022Topa was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right ankle contusion Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa was called up by the Brewers on Wednesday, and he gave up two runs on two hits and no walks while failing to strike out a batter in two innings over two appearances following his promotion. While the right-hander would be able to return if the Brewers make the postseason and go on a run, his season is likely over. Right-hander Jake Cousins was called up to take his place in the bullpen late in the regular season.
Sep 28 2022The Brewers recalled Topa from Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Just over a week after being optioned to Triple-A, Topa will rejoin the Milwaukee bullpen after starter Adrian Houser (groin) was placed on the 15-day injured list in a corresponding move. Topa, who has given up two earned runs over 5.1 innings at the big-league level in 2022, will likely serve as a low-leverage reliever over the final week of the season.
Sep 20 2022Topa was optioned to Triple-A Nashville on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa would have been unavailable for a day or two after pitching three of the last four days, so the Brewers decided to remove him from the roster to open up a spot for fellow pitcher Aaron Ashby. Topa will likely be at or near the top of the list if the Brewers need to add a reliever before the season comes to a close.
Sep 9 2022Topa was recalled from Triple-A Nashville on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa joined the big-league club as the 29th man for Thursday's doubleheader against the Giants, and he'll remain in the majors after Freddy Peralta (shoulder) was placed on the 15-day injured list Friday. Topa hasn't yet pitched for the Brewers this year but should serve mainly as a middle reliever.
Sep 8 2022Topa was recalled from Triple-A Nashville to serve as the 29th man for Thursday's doubleheader against the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa was sent down in mid-August after being reinstated from the 60-day injured list, but he'll join the Brewers for their doubleheader against San Francisco. The right-hander has posted a 3.71 ERA and 1.65 WHIP in 17 innings over 15 relief appearances at Nashville this year and should serve as an extra arm in Milwaukee's bullpen Thursday.
Aug 13 2022Topa (elbow) was reinstated from the 60-day injured list and optioned to Triple-A Nashville on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa spent the start of the 2022 season recovering from a significant right elbow that he sustained last September, but he began a rehab assignment in late July. He posted a 3.86 ERA and 1.61 WHIP in 9.1 innings over nine appearances in the minors and will remain with the Triple-A club now that he's back to full health.
Jul 23 2022Topa (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment with the Brewers' rookie-level Florida Complex League affiliate Saturday, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa sustained a significant right elbow injury in September of 2021 and was forced to begin the 2022 campaign on the injured list. The right-hander also dealt with an elbow issue during spring training in 2021, so it wouldn't be surprising to see the Brewers take a cautious approach during his rehab assignment to prevent an aggravation.
May 30 2022Topa (elbow) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa has been on the injured list since the start of the regular season, but he progressed to facing live hitters in mid-May. The right-hander will likely require a rehab assignment prior to rejoining the major-league club, and he'll be sidelined for at least another week after moving to the 60-day IL.
May 10 2022Topa (elbow) threw a live batting practice session Tuesday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa is returning from September elbow surgery, and Tuesday was his first time facing live batters since undergoing the procedure. The 31-year-old is building up at the Brewers' spring training facility in Arizona, and he should move to a minor-league affiliate for a rehab assignment in the next couple weeks.
Apr 7 2022Topa (elbow) was placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday, Sophia Minnaert of Bally Sports Wisconsin reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa sustained a significant right elbow injury in September of 2021 that prevented him from pitching in any Cactus League games this spring. While the right-hander was able to do some rehab work during spring training, he'll be unavailable to begin the regular season and doesn't yet have a clear timetable to return.
Mar 14 2022Brewers manager Craig Counsell said Topa (elbow) will remain in rehab mode during spring training and isn't expected to pitch in any Cactus League games, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa be ready to throw bullpen sessions by the end of spring training, but the update from Counsell implies that the right-hander will open the season on the injured list while he continues to work back from the flexor tendon injury he sustained in a Sept. 3 appearance versus the Cardinals. Topa was limited to only four relief appearances for the big club in 2021 after suffering a similar elbow injury last spring.
Sep 4 2021Topa was placed on the 60-day injured list Saturday with a right elbow injury. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Craig Counsell called the injury that forced Topa from Friday's game "significant," per Adam McCalvy of MLB.com, and noted that it's Topa's flexor tendon, which was also a problem in spring training. The Brewers are trying to determine the extent of the UCL damage. Topa has shown tremendous resilience, battling back from two Tommy John surgeries and time in independent ball, but a third TJS recovery would be a daunting hill to climb.
Sep 3 2021Topa (elbow) will likely be placed on the injured list after he left Friday's game against the Cardinals, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa was initially diagnosed with right elbow discomfort after his early departure, but he'll get an MRI on Saturday to determine the extent of the issue. While manager Craig Counsell said that the right-hander will likely require a trip to the injured list, a better idea of his status will likely be revealed based on the results of his MRI.
Sep 1 2021Topa was recalled from Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa surrendered five runs over 1.2 frames during his brief time in the majors in August, and he'll receive another look with one month left in the season. The right-hander should fill a low-leverage role out of the bullpen for Milwaukee.
Aug 15 2021The Brewers optioned Topa to Triple-A Nashville on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa will cede his spot on the active roster to pitcher Eric Lauer, who was reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list ahead of his scheduled start Sunday against the Pirates. After being activated from the 60-day injured list Wednesday, Topa made two appearances out of the Milwaukee bullpen, giving up five earned runs on five hits across 1.2 innings.
Aug 11 2021Topa (elbow) was reinstated from the 60-day injured list Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa began the season on the 60-day injured list due to a flexor tendon strain, and he spent nearly a month in the minors on a rehab assignment. Across 10 relief appearances, the right-hander posted a 2.00 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in nine innings. He'll now be available to make his season debut out of Milwaukee's bullpen.
Jul 31 2021Topa (elbow) has been transferred to Triple-A Nashville to continue his rehab assignment. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Brewers announced last weekend that Topa is still several weeks away from his return, but he continues to make good progress in his rehab. The right-hander's promotion to Triple-A could represent the final step in his rehab process, but he'll likely require several appearances before he's cleared to return to the majors.
Jul 25 2021Topa (elbow) is progressing well in his rehab but is still several weeks away from his return, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa was recently transferred to Double-A Biloxi to continue his rehab assignment, and he's now made four total rehab outings since July 13. Across those appearances, the righty has allowed one hit and no walks while striking out seven in four scoreless innings. Although the Brewers are pleased with Topa's strong results, he'll likely head to Triple-A Nashville at some point before a potential return from the injured list around mid-August.
Jul 20 2021Topa (elbow) was transferred to Double-A Biloxi on Tuesday to continue his rehab assignment, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A right elbow flexor strain has sidelined the 30-year-old since the end of spring training. Topa appeared in two games while rehabbing at the Arizona Complex League, striking out five and walking none in two scoreless frames. The righty will likely require at least a couple appearances at Double-A before progressing to Triple-A Nashville and ultimately rejoining the Brewers, suggesting an activation around the end of July or early August.
Jul 13 2021Topa (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment with the Rookie-level ACL Brewers Blue on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa has missed the entire regular season after suffering a flexor strain during spring training. He advanced to throwing bullpens in late June and will now participate in his first game action of the season. Given his lengthy absence, the right-hander will likely need multiple weeks in the minors to get ramped up, but he will certainly be a candidate to join the Brewers' bullpen in late July or early August, assuming he doesn't face any setbacks. Topa impressed during his brief time with the Brewers in 2020, posting a 2.35 ERA and 12:1 K:BB across 7.2 innings.
Jun 26 2021Topa (elbow) has advanced to throwing bullpens, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa has been out all year since suffering a flexor strain in March. The Brewers still don't have an exact timetable for his return, but he's "not crazy far from game action" according to manager Craig Counsell.
Apr 6 2021The Brewers transferred Topa (elbow) from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Milwaukee was already preparing for Topa to remain sidelined for the first half of the season while he recovers from a right elbow flexor strain, so the move to the 60-day IL won't have any bearing on his timeline. Instead, the transaction frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for reliever Brad Boxberger, whose contract was selected from the alternate site in a corresponding move.
Mar 29 2021Topa was diagnosed with a flexor tendon strain Monday and is expected to miss at least the first half of the season, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's a discouraging diagnosis for the righty, who struck out 12 of the 30 batters he faced while walking none as a 29-year-old rookie last season. He's being sent for a second opinion, at which point his timeline should become clearer.
Mar 28 2021Brewers manager Craig Counsell said Topa will open the season on the injured list after experiencing elbow discomfort during his appearance Saturday in a "B" game, Sophia Minnaert of Fox Sports Wisconsin reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Milwaukee is still awaiting the results of Topa's MRI before providing an updated timeline on his return, but given the nature of his injury, the right-hander seems likely to spend more than the minimum 10 days on the IL. The Brewers had been hoping the hard-throwing Topa -- who logged a 2.35 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and struck out 12 over 7.1 innings as a rookie in 2020 -- would fill a key role out of the bullpen to begin the season.
Mar 4 2021Topa threw his second scoreless inning of the spring in Wednesday's exhibition matchup with the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa has all of six big-league appearances under his belt, but he threw the ball well as a rookie last year, and the Brewers believe he could be a key part of their bullpen in 2021. Topa stands 6-foot-4 and averaged 97.5 mph with his heater last year, so it's not hard to see why the team is high on him.
Sep 16 2020Topa was recalled by the Brewers on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa will be part of his third transaction in as many days, as he was recalled for a doubleheader Monday before being optioned Tuesday. Whether or not he remains on the team longer this time remains to be seen. Josh Lindblom was placed on the bereavement list in a corresponding move.
Sep 15 2020The Brewers optioned Topa to their alternate training site Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He'll head back to the organization's training site in Appleton after serving as the 29th man for Monday's doubleheader with the Cardinals. Topa pitched in relief in the second game of the twin bill, taking his first career big-league loss after giving up a go-ahead unearned run in the top of the ninth inning.
Sep 14 2020Topa was recalled as the 29th man for Monday's doubleheader against the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Topa made his big-league debut in early September, allowing a pair of runs in a pair of innings. If he appears in either game Monday, it will likely be in a low-leverage relief role.
Sep 4 2020Topa was optioned to the alternate training site Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 29-year-old had his contract selected at the start of the week and made his major-league debut Tuesday against the Tigers, allowing two runs on two hits with two strikeouts and zero walks over two innings. Topa will hope to rejoin the big club later in the season.
Aug 31 2020Topa's contract was selected from the Brewers' alternate training site Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: An unheralded righty reliever, Topa apparently turned heads this summer at the alternate training site, so the Brewers want to give him a look with the roster spot that opened up after David Phelps was traded to Philadelphia. He had a 2.63 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 24 innings at Double-A last year as a 28-year-old.
Jun 17 2018Topa was signed by the Rangers out of the independent Can-Am League, Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News reports.Topa, who was originally drafted by the Pirates in 2013, will be placed at Double-A Frisco. He was the wins leader in the Can-Am in 2017, when he was victorious 14 toimes for the Rockland Boulders.