John Ober: Everything you need to know

Ober did not factor into the decision in Sunday's 7-4 extra-inning loss to the Reds, allowing one unearned run on three hits and four walks with 10 strikeouts over 6.1 innings. It was an unusual outing, as Ober set season highs in both walks (four) and strikeouts (10) while earning his first quality start of the year. He generated 14 whiffs on 102 pitches and was in line for his third straight victory before the Reds rallied to take the lead in the top of the ninth. The 30-year-old will carry a 4.15 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 24:9 K:BB across 26 innings into a road matchup against the Rays next weekend.

Ober (2-0) earned the win Monday, allowing four runs on seven hits and a walk over six innings against the Red Sox. He struck out seven. Ober wasn't at his best but picked up his second win of the campaign, backed by a strong showing from the Twins' offense. While four earned runs isn't ideal, the right-hander's seven strikeouts matched his combined total from his first three outings of the season, a positive development. Through four starts in 2026, Ober owns a 5.49 ERA and 1.27 WHIP with a 14:5 K:BB across 19.2 innings.

Ober (1-0) allowed two runs on five hits and a walk while striking out two over 5.2 innings to earn the win over the Tigers on Wednesday. Ober came up an out short of a quality start, but this was still his best outing of the season. The 30-year-old had gone just four innings in each of his first two games. Ober threw 64 of 99 pitches for strikes Wednesday and limited the damage to the sixth inning. He has a 5.27 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 7:4 K:BB through 13.2 innings so far. Ober's lack of strikeouts is a concern, especially after he posted a career-worst 7.4 K/9 during the 2025 regular season. He's averaging just 89.1 mph on his four-seam fastball this year, down from 90.3 mph last year, so his strikeout numbers are unlikely to rebound if the velocity remains down. Ober is tentatively projected to make his next start at home versus the Red Sox.