After stumbling through the last four seasons, the Minnesota Twins have summoned several of their best minor leaguers this summer.

Some came straight from Double-A.

These prized prospects have provided further reinforcement of the assumption that the franchise is headed for brighter days.

The funny thing about this rebuilding phase is that the Twins have become contenders again. At 49-40, they have the second-best record in the American League.

They’re off for the All-Star break until Friday, when they resume their schedule in Oakland for a three-game series against the Athletics.