Eiberson Castellano Cut by Twins; Brock Stewart, Brooks Lee to Begin Season on IL

[Jamie Cameron]

The Twins' 26-man roster took a significant step toward clarity on Sunday morning. Their Rule 5 draftee was informed that he won't make the club, while two key contributors will start on the injured list. Let’s dig into some implications for the Twins infield and bullpen as spring training draws to a close.

Image courtesy of © Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

We still have to wonder about who will occupy a couple of the final roster spots for the Twins come Thursday, but after a report from The Athletic's Dan Hayes Sunday, we know for sure about a few players who won't make the trip north. Eiberson Castellano, whom the team selected in the Rule 5 Draft in December from the Phillies, will not make the team (and thus, will not stay in the organization), while reliever Brock Stewart and infielder Brooks Lee will each begin the season on the injured list.

Brooks Lee and the Infield Alignment 
Lee was scratched from Thursday’s spring training lineup with what was described by the team as back tightness. While we can’t be sure of his prognosis, this likely feels ominous to Twins fans. Lee missed the first two months of the 2024 season with a herniated disc in his back.

Lee’s injury, combined with that of Royce Lewis, significantly weakens the team's infield defense. After Lewis’s hamstring strain last week, Lee seemed the logical defensive replacement at third base, with the Twins seemingly more confident in his glove than that of Jose Miranda. Despite the uneven offensive production he’s shown in the infancy of his big-league career, he offers defensive stability across second base and third base.

This figures to leave Edouard Julien, Miranda, and Willi Castro covering second and third base defensively—hardly an inspiring group. Mickey Gasper is likely winning a job as a bench bat. The final roster spot seemingly comes down to Austin Martin versus DaShawn Keirsey. Keirsey is by far the better defender, but Martin is right-handed, and therefore a better matchup fit for this team's bench.

Brock Stewart, Eiberson Castellano, and Bullpen Implications
Stewart being down to start the season is hardly a surprise, as he reportedly came into camp behind other arms. While it’s perilous to speculate on health, this seems like more of a building-up priority as opposed to a long-term concern given that Stewart pitched in a minor-league game on Saturday.

Castellano walked 19.2% of the hitters he faced this spring in 10 2/3 innings, typically throwing strikes at a 50-55% clip. Not good enough. It remains to be seen what his future holds. With Castellano cut and Tonkin on the IL, the Twins need a rubber-armed reliever who can pitch multiple innings and/or back-to-back days. Scott Blewett seems a possible internal pick. He’s managed a 3.39 FIP this spring. He’s shown the Twins he can be, at the very least, a serviceable bullpen arm for the major-league team. There's every chance, though, that the team will scoop up one or more players who shake loose from other rosters in the coming days.

[Ed. note: Manuel Margot was released by the Brewers, but signed quickly with the Tigers. So, you're safe, for now.]

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[DJL44]

Misiewicz is the other arm they're considering for the last spot in the bullpen.

[DJL44]

Yesterday was clearly a tryout for Blewett and Castellano. It didn't look good for Castellano when he spiked the first pitch into the ground.

[sweetmusicviola16]

An IF of Miranda, Correa, Julien and France does not bode well for limiting runs. The wheels could fall off very quickly. Don't understand Martin not getting any PT at 2B. Like him or not he's the better choice at 2B than anyone else that we have. He seems to me as just an extra part in the OF.

[DJL44]

5 minutes ago, sweetmusicviola16 said:

An IF of Miranda, Correa, Julien and France does not bode well for limiting runs. The wheels could fall off very quickly. Don't understand Martin not getting any PT at 2B. Like him or not he's the better choice at 2B than anyone else that we have. He seems to me as just an extra part in the OF.

I expect Castro will spend most of his time in the infield with Miranda and Julien rotating at DH. That probably means they want another outfielder for the roster.

I'm not sure what Keirsey, Martin or Gasper do that's better than any starter so I don't see how they get much playing time. Bader is going to get platoon at-bats and innings as a defensive replacement. The others don't really have a role.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

11 minutes ago, sweetmusicviola16 said:

An IF of Miranda, Correa, Julien and France does not bode well for limiting runs. The wheels could fall off very quickly. Don't understand Martin not getting any PT at 2B. Like him or not he's the better choice at 2B than anyone else that we have. He seems to me as just an extra part in the OF.

I think Castro is going to play a ton of 2nd to start the season and is likely the best fielder at 2nd currently active

[mikelink45]

I am rooting for Kiersey - we have seen enough of Martin.  A fifth OF/DH is not a bad position for 26-man roster.

[thelanges5]

Castro plays on the dirt and Keirsey in the OF. Was really hoping Castellano would work out. Maybe we can still work out a trade to keep him in the organization.

[sweetmusicviola16]

6 minutes ago, mikelink45 said:

I am rooting for Kiersey - we have seen enough of Martin.  A fifth OF/DH is not a bad position for 26-man roster.

I too am rooting for Kiersey. He's done what's asked of him over the past 3-4 seasons to earn an opportunity. I haven't given up on Martin. Hopefully he brings his game up in  St.Paul. I'm not ready to discard him anyway. 

[Doctor Gast]

W/o Lewis & Lee, our INF is on very thin ice. We knew that before we started the season that Lewis, Lee & Correa were difficult to count on for the whole season. They had doubts whether Miranda could be healthy & be productive at 1B so to begin ST & beginning of the season they threw him at 3B because of course, 3B is much easier on his shoulder than 1B?????? (Not!!!!), In their concern to get Julien, Gasper & France in the INF they made our INF very fragile. Julien & France on the right side is a disaster waiting to happen. Just think in time Correa & or Miranda get hurt which is very likely, Where will we be?

It was a big mistake to jam Martin in CF, which isn't his natural position. We already had 2 true RH CFers & 1 true LH CFer. 2B is a much greater need that Martin could easily fill because it's more his natural position. Twins should have abandoned hope with Julien at 2B a long time ago & had him learn 1B & hand 2B to Martin. Martin's hitting has been far below his potential, from being preoccupied with trying to master an unfamiliar & difficult position on its highest level. Keep Keirsey up & send Martin down to AAA to refamiliarize himself again at 2B & get his mojo back & bring him back up as soon as possible to cover 2B,  Keep Julien at DH to mitigate the damage he'd do at 2B & when Martin is ready, send Julien down to AAA learn 1B, shift France to DH & Miranda to 1B. Martin could be the stabilizing force we need at 2B until Keaschall is ready to take it from him. 

But it takes forever for the Twins to admit a mistake & change for the good of the Twins.

[Fatbat]

Trade Martin to philly for Castellano? Could Keaschall be rostered to be the DH? He is right handed and can also fill whatever roll Martin would have. …. late inning PH and Emergency break glass defensive utility guy until his arm is full strength. That would also allow a steady defensive line up with Miranda at 3B and Castro at 2B. 
I know that doesn’t work well for Baldelli who likes to play bingo balls with his day to day roster. 
 

[JD-TWINS]

28 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

I expect Castro will spend most of his time in the infield with Miranda and Julien rotating at DH. That probably means they want another outfielder for the roster.

I'm not sure what Keirsey, Martin or Gasper do that's better than any starter so I don't see how they get much playing time. Bader is going to get platoon at-bats and innings as a defensive replacement. The others don't really have a role.

Gasper, with relatively even splits, seems to be a PH guy & RH guy at DH. Julien will get a bunch of DH at bats and will play 2B when Castro goes to 3B or takes the once a month day off. Kiersey could be the guy to rest Buxton in CF when there’s a RH pitcher on the mound. Pinch runner - LH bat as PH?

[sweetmusicviola16]

18 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

W/o Lewis & Lee, our INF is on very thin ice. We knew that before we started the season that Lewis, Lee & Correa were difficult to count on for the whole season. They had doubts whether Miranda could be healthy & be productive at 1B so to begin ST & beginning of the season they threw him at 3B because of course, 3B is much easier on his shoulder than 1B?????? (Not!!!!), In their concern to get Julien, Gasper & France in the INF they made our INF very fragile. Julien & France on the right side is a disaster waiting to happen. Just think in time Correa & or Miranda get hurt which is very likely, Where will we be?

It was a big mistake to jam Martin in CF, which isn't his natural position. We already had 2 true RH CFers & 1 true LH CFer. 2B is a much greater need that Martin could easily fill because it's more his natural position. Twins should have abandoned hope with Julien at 2B a long time ago & had him learn 1B & hand 2B to Martin. Martin's hitting has been far below his potential, from being preoccupied with trying to master an unfamiliar & difficult position on its highest level. Keep Keirsey up & send Martin down to AAA to refamiliarize himself again at 2B & get his mojo back & bring him back up as soon as possible to cover 2B,  Keep Julien at DH to mitigate the damage he'd do at 2B & when Martin is ready, send Julien down to AAA learn 1B, shift France to DH & Miranda to 1B. Martin could be the stabilizing force we need at 2B until Keaschall is ready to take it from him. 

But it takes forever for the Twins to admit a mistake & change for the good of the Twins.

I agree, one thing you failed to mention though is now we will be pushing Castro beyond his limits into everyday duty again and he will lose his edge. No the Twins don't learn. 

I concur in having Martin at St.Paul as a primary 2B. It is the position he seems to fit most naturally. If he does fail then we know. Pushing him into the OF will only decrease his chances of success. 

[Fatbat]

Gasper just left today’s game with an injury. He was playing 2B and had hit a leadoff HR.

[sweetmusicviola16]

It is likely that Castro will end up looking like the dreg he looked like in Aug-Sept if he is used as a primary player in everyday use at 2B. His strength is being a utility player who comes in as a defensive replacement. Play him to his strength. Making him the primary anything will decrease his strengths. 

[JD-TWINS]

27 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

W/o Lewis & Lee, our INF is on very thin ice. We knew that before we started the season that Lewis, Lee & Correa were difficult to count on for the whole season. They had doubts whether Miranda could be healthy & be productive at 1B so to begin ST & beginning of the season they threw him at 3B because of course, 3B is much easier on his shoulder than 1B?????? (Not!!!!), In their concern to get Julien, Gasper & France in the INF they made our INF very fragile. Julien & France on the right side is a disaster waiting to happen. Just think in time Correa & or Miranda get hurt which is very likely, Where will we be?

It was a big mistake to jam Martin in CF, which isn't his natural position. We already had 2 true RH CFers & 1 true LH CFer. 2B is a much greater need that Martin could easily fill because it's more his natural position. Twins should have abandoned hope with Julien at 2B a long time ago & had him learn 1B & hand 2B to Martin. Martin's hitting has been far below his potential, from being preoccupied with trying to master an unfamiliar & difficult position on its highest level. Keep Keirsey up & send Martin down to AAA to refamiliarize himself again at 2B & get his mojo back & bring him back up as soon as possible to cover 2B,  Keep Julien at DH to mitigate the damage he'd do at 2B & when Martin is ready, send Julien down to AAA learn 1B, shift France to DH & Miranda to 1B. Martin could be the stabilizing force we need at 2B until Keaschall is ready to take it from him. 

But it takes forever for the Twins to admit a mistake & change for the good of the Twins.

Miranda’s ills in ‘24 was due to his back……his shoulder was fine from end of ST forward.

Castro will play 2B with Lee hurt and maybe with Lee healthy.

Castro - Lee (initially at AAA) - Gasper - Julien ………maybe even Keaschall? All these guys are ahead of Martin at 2B as of today. Martin needs to go to St. Paul and hit more effectively - if he does that he can play LF as they face LH pitching - can pinch hit - can pinch run - can play as Larnach needs rest

[sweetmusicviola16]

12 minutes ago, Fatbat said:

Gasper just left today’s game with an injury. He was playing 2B and had hit a leadoff HR.

Yikes, thanks for the update. Injuries. Whether it seems so or not this isn't just a Twins issue. The past 3-5 years all across MLB injuries have swelled. Especially when it comes to pitchers. Might be time for MLB to investigate the root causes. For one thing the human body wasn't made to throw a ball 102 mph. Just isn't. 

[JD-TWINS]

1 hour ago, Fatbat said:

Trade Martin to philly for Castellano? Could Keaschall be rostered to be the DH? He is right handed and can also fill whatever roll Martin would have. …. late inning PH and Emergency break glass defensive utility guy until his arm is full strength. That would also allow a steady defensive line up with Miranda at 3B and Castro at 2B. 
I know that doesn’t work well for Baldelli who likes to play bingo balls with his day to day roster. 
 

Rostering either one of Keaschall or Martin doesn’t preclude Castro & Miranda playing nearly every day.

Not sure why Martin’s lack of hitting and Keaschall’s arm injury are a managerial issue? 

Keaschall being rostered, if he can’t safely throw, isn’t going to happen. I’ve been a proponent for him at 2B or 1B all winter……can’t roster a guy that can’t play defense unless he’s a Nelson Cruz level guy.

[Drtwins]

“The final roster spot seemingly comes down to Austin Martin versus DaShawn Keirsey. Keirsey is by far the better defender, but Martin is right-handed, and therefore a better matchup fit for this team's bench.”

I struggle to understand the rationale behind prioritizing right-handed hitters in the Twins outfield, given that only 25% of pitchers are left-handed. Both of the current center field options, Buxton and Bader, are right-handed. Moreover, looking at the infield, Jeffers, Vázquez, France, Correa, and Miranda are also right-handed hitters, while Castro and Gasper are switch hitters. When available Lewis is also RH and Lee a switch hitter. From my perspective, adding Keirsey, a left-handed bat, appears to be a more logical choice over Martin.

[Fatbat]

2 minutes ago, JD-TWINS said:

Rostering either one of Keaschall or Martin doesn’t preclude Castro & Miranda playing nearly every day.

Not sure why Martin’s lack of hitting and Keaschall’s arm injury are a managerial issue? 

Keaschall being rostered, if he can’t safely throw, isn’t going to happen. I’ve been a proponent for him at 2B or 1B all winter……can’t roster a guy that can’t play defense unless he’s a Nelson Cruz level guy.

Im not saying LK is Nelson Cruz or Otani (who did DH all of last season after TJ surgery). Frim what I read, LK should be playing defense by May’25 so whats a few weeks if he is basically a full time DH/PH while he is finishing up his build up. Playing in the field for an inning or three every couple days is what he would be doing in the minors anyhow. If his bat is MLB, he is a much better option than Martin. 

[JD-TWINS]

1 hour ago, sweetmusicviola16 said:

It is likely that Castro will end up looking like the dreg he looked like in Aug-Sept if he is used as a primary player in everyday use at 2B. His strength is being a utility player who comes in as a defensive replacement. Play him to his strength. Making him the primary anything will decrease his strengths. 

He played 158 games last year and was an All-star after the first half, plus. Lee - Keaschall aren’t out for the season. Pretty sure Willi will be OK into May/June without breaking down.

Not really on the same page with your statement about Castro’s strength being “a defensive replacement”. His flexibility is big but he’s had 450 - 400 - 400 - 635 at bats the last 4 seasons ………hardly just a glove guy.

[Fatbat]

1 hour ago, sweetmusicviola16 said:

Yikes, thanks for the update. Injuries. Whether it seems so or not this isn't just a Twins issue. The past 3-5 years all across MLB injuries have swelled. Especially when it comes to pitchers. Might be time for MLB to investigate the root causes. For one thing the human body wasn't made to throw a ball 102 mph. Just isn't. 

Looked like he rolled his left ankle badly when he and Winoker collided at 2B fielding a soft ground ball. He got stepped on with his foot rolled in. Ugly in slow motion! He walked off the field but then limped into a golf cart to get checked out. 

[Danchat]

My guess is Blewett makes the pen, he pitched well last year and is continuing that in camp. I see Tonkin is on the IL, is Topa there too?

[Doctor Gast]

1 hour ago, JD-TWINS said:

Miranda’s ills in ‘24 was due to his back……his shoulder was fine from end of ST forward.

Castro will play 2B with Lee hurt and maybe with Lee healthy.

Castro - Lee (initially at AAA) - Gasper - Julien ………maybe even Keaschall? All these guys are ahead of Martin at 2B as of today. Martin needs to go to St. Paul and hit more effectively - if he does that he can play LF as they face LH pitching - can pinch hit - can pinch run - can play as Larnach needs rest

Donaldson had calf problems before coming to MN. I'm not sure if he had calf problems with MN but he had problems with his hamstrings, due to over-compensating for his calves, Your back is part of your throwing process. It's not coincident that both Miranda & Kiriloff having shoulder problems & both coming down with back problems probably due to being coached to maximize their back motion to preserve their shoulders from further more severe shoulder problems after being moved off 1B/ DH to more arm demanding positions in order to keep their hot bats in the line-up. 

Julien & Gasper are both a liability at 2B. Keaschall is coming off surgery we have no idea when he'll be able to start to play 2B. He isn't on the 40 man so even if he's 100% healthy, he'll really have to blow the doors off to be considered to replace Martin. But if Julien & Gasper are our options then he'll be rushed. Again Martin isn't needed in the OF, it'd be a waste if they continue another poor choice about Martin.

[jorgenswest]

I would give that last spot in the bullpen to either a player on options or a player I am OK with losing to DFA. If they go the options route it has to be Funderburk. Otherwise they need to add a player to the 40 that they are willing to lose. That could be Blewett but it has been reported that he was told he would start in AAA. That probably leaves Misiewicz.

They are running out of position players on the 40 also. If Gasper is on the IL I think Keirsey, Julien and Martin all make the team.

How long will it be before it is no longer feasible to carry 4 catchers on the 40 man roster?

[Doctor Gast]

Nothing has been said about Castellano except that he's not making the club after camp breaks. No DFA, no returning to PHI. Is there a trade being worked out? Because I think we could have continued with him until the end.

[sweetmusicviola16]

So Topa hasn't overly impressed in ST, but he is presently healthy?

[sweetmusicviola16]

2 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

Nothing has been said about Castellano except that he's not making the club after camp breaks. No DFA, no returning to PHI. Is there a trade being worked out? Because I think we could have continued with him until the end.

That would be good if a deal happens. Though not ready it would be nice to keep him around for future use. From what his spring has looked like I'm glad he's not breaking camp with the team.

[jorgenswest]

I am not confident that Keaschall will be ready defensively in 2025. Virtually all major league second basemen started as shortstops. Keaschall was moved off of shortstop in college. It was a transfer to Arizona State but the shortstop on that team also hasn’t been good enough to stick at shortstop in college. Keaschall has only started 42 games at 2B in the minors. If he is going to be a major league 2B he needs to lot of games in AAA at that spot this year.

[jorgenswest]

9 minutes ago, sweetmusicviola16 said:

So Topa hasn't overly impressed in ST, but he is presently healthy?

I thought he was starting on the IL. If healthy he could be that pitcher on options that can take the last spot.