Alexander Kirilloff: Everything you need to know

Kirilloff announced his retirement from professional baseball Thursday. In a post on his Instagram account, Kirilloff wrote that the numerous injuries he's dealt with "have taken a toll on me mentally and physically" and he feels he's no longer able to give baseball "the total commitment it requires." Kirilloff, who turns 27 next week, is currently rehabbing a lower-back injury and has also had two wrist surgeries and back surgery. He slashed .248/.309/.412 with 27 home runs over 249 games covering parts of four seasons with the Twins.

Kirilloff (back) was removed from his rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul on Saturday due to a flare-up of soreness in his back, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. Kirilloff managed to get through one game of his rehab assignment that started Friday before experiencing a flare-up. The 26-year-old has been on the shelf since June 18 due to back soreness and nerve issues and his rehab assignment was initially delayed due to an ankle sprain that he's since recovered from. The severity of the setback is unclear, but it will likely push his return date a ways into September.

Kirilloff (back) will start a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul on Friday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. Kirilloff was slated to begin his assignment earlier in the week but suffered a sprained ankle while doing drills. However, the 26-year-old is over the ankle issue and has been cleared to play in games. Kirilloff has been on the shelf since mid June due to back soreness and nerve issues.