FORT MYERS, Fla. — If it seems like the Twins have been adding another reliever to the mix every day, well, that’s not too far off.

The Twins’ front office has spent the first few days of camp addressing holes in the bullpen, bringing in left-hander Anthony Banda in a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Liam Hendriks, Julian Merryweather, Andrew Chafin and Cody Laweryson on minor-league deals with invites to major league spring training.

Notably, they’ve added a veteran presence to a group that at one point seemed as if it would skew much younger.

The 37-year-old Hendriks began his major league career in 2011. Chafin, 35, debuted in 2014,and Banda, 32, has spent parts of nine seasons in the majors. That’s in addition to Taylor Rogers, whom the Twins brought back in on a one-year deal in January.

“I love the fact that they’ve all pitched in big games and they’ve pitched in the ninth inning,” manager Derek Shelton said. “They pitched in high-leverage on really good teams, championship teams, World Series games.”

Both Hendriks and Rogers were all-star closers — Hendriks in 2019, 2021 and 2022 and Rogers in 2021 — and Banda, acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers, has pitched in each of the last two World Series, giving the Twins valuable past experience to draw upon.

Though the recent additions are not guaranteed to make the team out of camp, having that type of major-league knowledge around is a value to the group as a whole and to the stable of young relievers the Twins have in major league camp.

“The fact that they’ve been there and young guys that are in (the) back end of the bullpen can ask them about situations or ask them about things that happened, there is no better coaching that will happen than player to player or peer to peer,” Shelton said. “When players coach themselves, it’s vital.”

For Banda, getting designated for assignment by the Dodgers on Feb. 6 was “a blindside,” the reliever said. As players began reporting to spring training, Banda was still sitting at home “getting antsy” as he waited to find out where he would end up. He wound up with the Twins after a trade for international bonus pool money.

“It was a roller coaster for sure,” he said. “But hey, new chapter, new opportunity.”

Opportunity is what the Twins’ bullpen has provided a number of relievers since last season’s trade deadline sell-off, and now, there are a bunch of veterans trying to make the most of that opportunity. And notably, some of those veterans, like Hendriks and Chafin, are known for having big personalities.

“I think that’s really important when you’re adding a different subset of personalities into a group,” Shelton said. “I think it’s good for our young players.”

Briefly

One reliever no longer in camp is Jackson Kowar, whom the Twins picked up as a waiver claim at the beginning of the month. Kowar was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Banda and then traded to the Baltimore Orioles for cash considerations. … All players have reported to camp and on Monday, the Twins will host their first full-squad workout.  … The Twins started live batting practice on Sunday. Starter Joe Ryan, who is headed to the World Baseball Classic later this spring, threw three ups. New first baseman Josh Bell hit a home run off Zebby Matthews.

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Abbey Murphy could have left the University of Minnesota last spring with a degree and a job waiting for her in the PWHL. Instead, she’s back with the Gophers chasing an elusive national title as a graduate student.

There were a lot of reasons for her decision, Murphy said during an interview with the Pioneer Press in January, the most important of which was the fact that she is happy — likes her teammates and coaches, likes being a student.

United States’ Abbey Murphy, right, checks Finland’s Julia Schalin during a preliminary round match of women’s ice hockey between the United States and Finland at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

“You’re only in college once,” she said. “I was lucky enough to have another year of eligibility; I was lucky to be able to make that decision.”

Recent changes in NCAA rules help, as well — Murphy has deals with athletic clothing business UNRL and vitamins and supplements company Metabolic Elite, according to her Instagram account — and, she said, there isn’t a better place than the UMN to get ready for the Olympics.

“Training staff and facilities at the U are incredible,” Murphy said. “I don’t think there’s anything out there and that comes close. College is just a very unique position now, all this stuff they’re allowing us to have. I feel really good here, especially with the training and coaching staff.”

Through preliminary play, Murphy, 23, had a goal and five assists heading into Monday’s semifinal matchup between Group A winner Team USA (5-0) and Group B winner Sweden (5-0), which features Gophers blue liner Josefin Bouveng. The winner of Monday’s games will advance to the gold medal game on Thursday; the loser will play for bronze, something the U.S. hasn’t done since 2006 in Torino.

Three of Murphy’s assists came in the Americans’ 5-0 rout of defending champion Canada and the U.S. went 4-0-0 in the annual rivalry series with Canada last fall after beating the Canadians in the IIHF world championship.

“I think our team is hot right now,” Murphy said before leaving for Italy. “And that’s a fun way to look at it.”

Murphy has been a Team USA staple as far back as her U18 days in Evergreen Park, Ill., and has won her share of gold medals, including IIHF championships in 2023 and 2025. In Murphy’s previous Olympics, 2002 in Beijing, the U.S. came home with silver after losing to Canada in the final.

Gophers forward Ella Huber, left, celebrates with teammates after a goal by Abbey Murphy (center) in Minnesota’s 3-2 NCAA regional victory over Colgate on March 15, 2025, at Ridder Arena (Brad Rempel / Gophers Athletics)

“I’ve learned a lot of things from playing in the Olympics and in college,” Murphy said. “I’m faster and stronger, things like that. My brain’s faster; I’m thinking the game on a higher level and it’s fun. I’m just trying to do whatever it takes to win and be productive.”

In 26 games with the Gophers this season, Murphy has 36 goals and 61 points and has tied Ohio State coach Nadine Muzzeral for the program goals record with 139.

Murphy, 23, is one of four Gophers in Italy — Bouveng, Nelli Laitinen (Finland) and Tereza Plosová (Czechia) are the others — and it hasn’t been easy for the U. In four games without them, the third-ranked Gophers are 1-3 with a victory over top-ranked Wisconsin.

“There is certainly a presence about Murph, right?” coach Brad Frost said after the Gophers’ split with Wisconsin. “There’s a confidence and a swagger; she’s earned that because she’s proven that she can do the things that she does.”

Murphy is joined by former teammates Taylor Heise and Grace Zumwinkle on the U.S. roster. It’s Zumwinkle’s second Games, and Heise’s first. Both Heise and Zumwinkle are playing for the Frost in the PWHL, and Heise was the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award winner as the best college player in 2022.

But neither won a national title, something the Gophers haven’t managed since 2016. Murphy has one more chance when she and her teammates return from Italy for the stretch run.

“I’ve always wanted to win one. It’s always in the back of my mind,” she said. “But if we don’t in the end, I won’t regret it. I’ll be gone for a month, it’s a little bit weird, but I trust they’ll get the job done and we’re gonna come back to set it up for the (WCHA) playoffs. I’m really for it.”

In the meantime, it’s gold on Murphy’s mind. Her experience with this particular team — which includes Olympic veterans such as Lee Steclein, Kendall Coyne Schofield and Kelly Pannek — has been unparalleled, she said.

“We have a coach (John Wroblewski) we trust. Every little thing he does is for a reason, and this team was put together for a reason,” Murphy said before leaving for Italy. “It’s our job to put our heads down and work. It’s been an absolute blast, a heck of a ride.

“We’ve been here for a common goal, and that was to get ready for the three training camps and the rivalry series. We had a job to do, and these games have been incredible. You play with whoever and adapt. These are the best players in the world. It’s quite incredible. We’re really confident in where we stand, and we’re not really satisfied at all.”

ON A ROLL

The U.S. women have outscored their Olympic opponents 26-1 so far. Here is how they won Group A and earned a spot in Monday’s semifinal against Sweden:

United States 5, Czechia 1

United States 5, Finland 0

United States 5, Switzerland 0

United States 5, Canada 0

United States 6, Italy 0

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NONPROFITS

Roz Tsai

The Wilder Foundation, St. Paul, announced the appointment of Roz Tsai as chief human resources officer, effective Jan. 19. Tsai succeeds vice president of human resources Jennie Hawkins, who has served Wilder for 38 years. Tsai most recently served as vice president of talent, learning, and organizational effectiveness at Thrivent, Minneapolis.

ARCHITECTURE/ENGINEERING

MSR Design, a Minneapolis architecture firm, announced the elevation of Jeffery Davis and Kate Michaud to firm principals. Michaud is director of project delivery and Davis leads the firm’s Utah office.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Piper Sandler Cos., a Minneapolis-based national investment bank, announced the addition of Dan Wolf as a managing director in the health care investment banking group. Wolf returns to Piper Sandler where he began his career as a health care investment banking analyst. Prior to rejoining the firm, he served as chief financial officer at Theradaptive.

GOVERNMENT

Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon announced the appointment of Justin Erickson as deputy secretary of state for operations. Erickson served as general counsel for the office since May 2024 and previously was deputy general counsel. Deputy General Counsel Lauren Bethke will succeed Erickson in the role of general counsel.

HEALTH CARE

Mayo Clinic, Rochester, announced it has appointed Todd Manion chair of revenue cycle for the health system. Manion succeeds Sharon Kelley; he previously served as chair of coding, revenue integrity, outpatient clinical documentation improvement and provider education at Mayo. He joined Mayo Clinic in 2021 after spending more than 12 years as a managing director at Deloitte & Touche.

HONORS

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, St. Paul, announced five honorees statewide who received its 2025 President’s Leadership Excellence Award: Chrissy Elton, area director of LSS Meals; Heidi Leach, senior director of business technology; Linda Meaux-Stewart, program coordinator at Portland House; Tameka Miller, program director for Metro Youth Housing Services, and Amy Tudor, program director for Housing Services.

LAW

Maslon, Minneapolis, announced it is celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2026. … Faegre Drinker, Minneapolis, announced that Erika Campbell has joined the firm’s private client group. Campbell previously clerked for the Honorable Gerald Schroeder of the Idaho Supreme Court. … Fredrikson, Minneapolis, announced that Chief Operating Officer Ann Rainhart has been named to the O Shaped 2026 O List, honoring individuals who embody the 5 Os mindset, a list of professional principals meant to guide the legal profession.

MANUFACTURING

Smyth Cos., an Eagan-based provider of product packaging label printing and services for business, announced the appointment of Steve Wirrig as chief executive officer. Wirrig most recently served as CEO of NovaVision and also was CEO of Rohrer Corp. and served in various leadership positions at Coveris, KubeTech, Rexam and Textron.

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

Patterson Cos. Inc., a Mendota Heights-based national supplier of medial equipment to veterinary and dental practices, announced the appointment of Patrik Eriksson as Patterson Dental’s North American president. Eriksson most recently served as CEO at Vimian Group. … Kindeva, a Woodbury-based developer of drug-delivery combination devices, announced that President David Stevens has assumed the role of CEO. He succeeds Milton Boyer, who will continue to serve as an independent member of the board of directors.

SERVICES

Viking Electric, a Minneapolis-based electrical products distributor and services provider for business, announced the hire of Susan McDougall as vice president of human resources. She previously served in similar roles at Tennant Co., Deluxe Corp. and the University of St. Thomas.

SPONSORSHIPS

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx professional basketball teams announced a multiyear partnership with Wings Credit Union, Apple Valley, as the official credit union of both teams.

TECHNOLOGY

FORTÉ, formerly AVI Systems, an Eden Prairie-based provider of audio-visual systems for businesses and schools, announced the following promotions: Zach Valigura to senior vice president of delivery; Kendra Apelt, vice president of digital solutions, and Chris Clark, vice president of accounting. … Jamf, a Minneapolis-based provider of Apple-based software to enterprises, announced the appointment of David Helfer as chief revenue officer. Helfer most recently served as chief customer and revenue officer at Mimecast. He succeeds Liz Benz, Jamf’s current chief sales officer.

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EMAIL ITEMS to businessnews@pioneerpress.com.

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Lindsey Vonn was preparing to fly back to her home country on Sunday after her terrifying head-over-heels crash in the Olympic downhill, the U.S. Ski Team’s chief told the Associated Press.

Sophie Goldschmidt, president and CEO of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, said the team’s medical staff has been coordinating Vonn’s recovery since the crash and subsequent helicopter evacuation at the Milan Cortina Games and would try to accompany her home. Vonn has had multiple surgeries in Italy to repair a complex tibia fracture in her left leg.

“We’re working through all of that at the moment,” Goldschmidt said. “We’ve got a great team around helping her, and she’ll go back to the U.S. for further surgeries.”

Spectators tuning in to see Vonn attempt to win a medal at age 41 with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee and a partial titanium replacement in her right knee were stunned when she clipped a gate 13 seconds into her run, resulting in a spinning, airborne crash that sent her careening down the Dolomite mountain.

“The impact, the silence, everyone was just in shock. And you could tell it was a really nasty injury,” said Goldschmidt, who was there. “There’s a lot of danger in doing all sorts of Alpine sports, but it gives more of an appreciation for how superhuman these athletes are.

“I mean, putting your body on the line, going at those speeds, the physicality. Sometimes actually on the broadcast it’s really hard to get that across,” Goldschmidt added. “Danger sometimes brings fans in and is pretty captivating. We obviously hope we won’t have injuries like that, but it is unfortunately part and parcel of our sports.”

Vonn herself said she has no regrets.

“When I think back on my crash, I didn’t stand in the starting gate unaware of the potential consequences,” Vonn said in an Instagram post late Saturday. “I knew what I was doing. I chose to take a risk. Every skier in that starting gate took the same risk. Because even if you are the strongest person in the world, the mountain always holds the cards.

“But just because I was ready, that didn’t guarantee me anything. Nothing in life is guaranteed. That’s the gamble of chasing your dreams, you might fall. But if you don’t try you’ll never know,” Vonn added.

Goldschmidt visited Vonn at the hospital twice and said, “She’s not in pain. She’s in a stable condition.

“She took an aggressive line and was all in, and it was inches off what could have ended up a very different way,” Goldschmidt said. “But what she’s done for our sports and the sport in general, her being a role model, has gone to a whole new level. You learn often more about people during these tough moments than when they’re winning.”

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