Twins Injuries Reveal Twin Truths About Twins Depth

[John Bonnes]

We don’t know the full extent of the injuries that Matt Wallner and Carlos Correa suffered in Tuesday night’s 6-3 victory over the Mets.

Image courtesy of © Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Both are getting an MRI on Wednesday morning. Matt Wallner said after the game that he hasn’t felt anything like this before, so he’s unsure what to make of it. Carlos Correa said he experienced some wrist discomfort this spring that went all the way back to last year, though he sounded hopeful that he could be back soon.

Whether this is a 12-hour scare or will seriously impact the team, looking at the options for replacing them reveals some paradoxical truths about the organization’s depth. On the one hand, those options are almost exclusively untested in major league roles. On the other hand, they include some prospects that could change the direction of this team in a hurry. 

The bad news is that the Twins' next game is Wednesday afternoon, so unless they make some quick decisions, they’ll be playing short-handed, like Tuesday night. The good news is that  Thursday is an off-day, so their next game isn’t until Friday night, giving them 72 hours to evaluate things better and determine a course of action.

If they determine that both players need to be placed on the 10-day Injured List (IL), things will get interesting in a hurry. This weekend’s decision to swap Jose Miranda for Brooks Lee revealed just how few options the Twins have to bolster their lineup. It turns out they’re even thinner two days later with the news that Jose Miranda was added to the 7-day IL with a hand strain before he played a game in AAA. 

Correa provides the most difficult dilemma. Lee and Willi Castro are the only players on the Twins’ current roster who can handle third base and shortstop, so they suddenly become fixed in those spots daily. Fortunately, the 24-year-old Lee, while no longer technically a prospect, has looked fantastic in his three games since his return, including a home run in Tuesday night’s game. 

However, the roster will need a backup for both positions, and there are two obvious candidates:

• Ryan Fitzgerald is a 30-year-old career minor leaguer who has started at shortstop for all 17 of the Saints games this year. 
• Armando Alvarez is also 30 years old and was in the same boat as Fitzgerald before last year, when he played in 16 games with Oakland, filling in at first base, second base, third base, and left field. This year, he has played third base for the Saints. While he couldn’t back up shortstop, that might not be as important because Castro and Lee can back up each other at shortstop if necessary, and Alvarez could slide to 3B.

Neither player is on the 40-man roster, but the Twins have only 39 players on it right now, so that’s easily remedied. 

Finally, it’s worth mentioning that the Twins haven’t provided a detailed update on Royce Lewis's status beyond that he’s progressing but has not started a rehab assignment yet. 

If he needs to spend time on the IL, Wallner's everyday replacement is already on the roster: Harrison Bader. DeShawn Keirsey Jr becomes the primary, instead of the secondary, backup outfielder. Twins fans who want to see Austin Martin again will be disappointed to hear that he’s not an option because he’s also injured in AAA. 

The Twins could promote an outfielder. Unfortunately, top (Twins Daily’s #2) prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez hasn’t exactly been tearing it up in St. Paul (.237/.370/.316). Still, he could be an option as he could get his feet wet against MLB competition and upgrade the outfield defense while Larnach continues to pick up at-bats at DH. Or the Twins could try one of their more AAAA-ish outfielders in a strict backup role, though it’s not clear who would pick up at-bats at designated hitter.

However, the designated hitter spot could be a nice fit for Twins Daiy’s #3 prospect, Luke Keaschall. He’s been holding his own during his first two weeks in AAA, especially when it comes to getting on base (.270/.408/.378). He’s limited because he’s coming off Tommy John surgery, but he could be the team’s primary designated hitter while his throwing arm rounds back into form. It was clear this spring that manager Rocco Baldelli liked what he saw from Keaschall, giving him starts at designated hitter when the rest of the lineup was populated with Twins’ everyday players. If Baldelli is looking for offensive upside, Keaschall, while inexperienced, seems like the best available option. 

By Wednesday morning, both Wallner and Correa could have clean MRIs, and both could feel much better, and this whole conversation could be moot. However, the exercise further drives home a truth that has been an important factor this year: the team is not as deep with veteran MLB-ready talent as it has been in past years. On the other hand, it also reveals they have some young players that could - if they can develop quickly - help the team get back to its winning ways.

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How would you replace Wallner and Correa? Let us know in the comments below. 

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[Mike Sixel]

ERod for Wallner, because they aren't ready to let Keaschell play every day for a full game. But I'd like that decision also.

No idea on the infielder. 

[Wizard11]

Has anyone heard a report on Vazquez?  He also left a game hurt.

[tony&rodney]

Keaschall could DH, but Larnach sure has been hobbling the last two days. He ran slower than Vazquez each of the last two games and i wondered if he was struggling with turf toe again. I would not put Larnach in the field for a few games unless he can pick it up.

[stringer bell]

With more than 20 pitchers on the 40-man roster and four catchers, there isn’t much room for depth. Martin and Miranda are down with injuries at St. Paul. Add in Lewis and perhaps Correa and Wallner and they just about have to go off the 40-man to cover a position spot. 

[stringer bell]

29 minutes ago, Wizard11 said:

Has anyone heard a report on Vazquez?  He also left a game hurt.

Provus said he was okay. 

[thelanges5]

Correa playing with a wrist thingy since LY?

[mikelink45]

I would like to see Keaschall at DH - not impressed with Larnach this year.  Buxton, Keirsey, Bader in OF at least means excellent defense.  We will miss Wallner if he is out a while.  I think they have to bring up Fitzgerald to back up SS if Correa is going to be out.

Easy to make changes with 39 on the Roster plus Gaspar.  

[Althebum82]

Actually, Jeffers was asked in the TV post-game interview if Vasquez would likely start today's day game after a night game.  Jeffers commented that "Christian is a bulldog" that cannot be counted out, but that Jeffers was advised before Tuesday's game that he would likely be starting Wednesday.  Of course, many of us are wondering why Gasper is on the active roster, but his presence apparently allows them give Vasquez a chance to heal (along with the off day) without needing to make a roster move during this series.

Fitzgerald and McCusker right now are heads and shoulders overperforming the rest of the Saint Paul roster and appearing to be candidates to promote if needed.

[dxpavelka]

Love Keaschall but with the way big league rosters are constructed these days it's tough to roster a guy who can't contribute in the field unless he's producing at a Nelson Cruz type level at DH.  Seems unlikely.  We now see why teams draft shortstops an inordinate amount of the time.  Ya just hope somebody sticks.  Feels like most of the 3B-SS "potential" is parked at Cedar Rapids and that feels like a reach.

 

[tarheeltwinsfan]

30 minutes ago, mikelink45 said:

I would like to see Keaschall at DH - not impressed with Larnach this year.  Buxton, Keirsey, Bader in OF at least means excellent defense.  We will miss Wallner if he is out a while.  I think they have to bring up Fitzgerald to back up SS if Correa is going to be out.

Easy to make changes with 39 on the Roster plus Gaspar.  

Fitzgerald made some very impressive plays at SS in spring training this year.

[Whitey333]

Hopefully both Correa and wallner are OK.  IMO Wallner is much tougher to replace.  Correa?  He hasn't contributed much and I think he is a huge part of the Twins problem and not part of the solution to the malaise on this team. And in general all these injuries just mask the deep rooted problems with this team.  They just give the organization an easy excuse for their putrid play.

[Riverbrian]

Interesting. 

It's April and it's possible that we have run low on players worthy of getting called up to sit on the bench and watch the 25th ranked offense perform. 

 

 

 

[insagt1]

So many injuries. And honestly Lewis is becoming Buxton...injured all the time. Becoming more and more useless to the team.

[Trov]

No team will have 3 deep at SS.  Few teams will go that deep at 3b as well.  OF are much easier to fill, outside CF. If CC is down long term we will need to get someone up that can fill in at 3b minimum.  If not, Lee and Castro going to have to stick there for awhile. Lewis, Miranda and Martin all on IL hurt the depth a ton. 

[saviking]

How bout we get our regulars to hit first before worrying about their backups.

[Jeff K]

I thought keaschel was playing some 2b with St. Paul as well as DH.  if yes,  i would call him up and  let him split some time there as well as DH.  of course, that rules out mccusker.  

[LambchoP]

Whether Correa hits the IL or not, I think he needs some time off to mentally reset. Call up Keaschal. He can rotate between 2b and DH, allowing Lee and Castro to cover SS and 3rd. In the OF if Wallner goes on the IL I'd give Mccusker a cup of coffee. If Wallner doesn't go on il, I'd send Larnach down for a bit. Martin would be my first choice but since he's hurt, Mccusker might be the best option short term. I don't think Rodriguez is quite ready for MLB pitching just yet 

[umterp23]

Always interesting to hear about injuries when we see them but the excuses that it has been lingering for weeks to months coming out afterwards from players just sounds like excuses. It’s like when you hit weak ground balls and basically walk to first base for easy out, well,shucks, I was going to be out anyway. Miranda going on IL after demotion for really bad play and bad baseball IQ, but I’m hurt so maybe that’s why I wasn’t good.

 Twins fan have been hurt watching bad baseball, but last night was fun. Maybe some youth on this team can lead the way to allow the fans to enjoy good, playing hard brand of baseball. 

 

[DJL44]

Call the agent for JD Martinez. Assure him you'll trade him at the deadline if the team is not a contender.

There are other veteran players in the minors with upward mobility clauses in their contracts. They can go outside the organization for AAA talent.

[AceWrigley]

Could probably pick up Eddie Rosario from the Dodgers (hitting .339 for AAA Oklahoma) for cheap which fits ownership style.

[mluebker]

This is what happens on Rec league teams when they’re not doing well and kids don’t want to play. The Twins probably need a team psychologist at this point.

[IndianaTwin]

5 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Call the agent for JD Martinez. Assure him you'll trade him at the deadline if the team is not a contender.

I was intrigued, but then I saw WARs of 1.1, 2.0 and 0.5 the last three seasons, including a 106 OPS+ last year as a 36-year-old. With only 12 innings of defense in that time, it's hard to see them using a roster spot for a full-time DH when they have so many people at less than 100 percent.

With four-man benches across the majors, I can understand why he's had a hard time getting a job. 

[DJL44]

27 minutes ago, IndianaTwin said:

I was intrigued, but then I saw WARs of 1.1, 2.0 and 0.5 the last three seasons, including a 106 OPS+ last year as a 36-year-old. With only 12 innings of defense in that time, it's hard to see them using a roster spot for a full-time DH when they have so many people at less than 100 percent.

With four-man benches across the majors, I can understand why he's had a hard time getting a job. 

This team is using a roster spot for Mickey Gasper. A 106 OPS+ would be one of the best on a team desperate for offense.

[NYCTK]

15 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

This team is using a roster spot for Mickey Gasper. A 106 OPS+ would be one of the best on a team desperate for offense.

Not even saying I think they should hire him, but worth noting the ancillary benefits of someone like JD Martinez on the roster, as a mentor. He was credited a lot as a leader in the Mets clubhouse during their turnaround last year, helping Mark Vientos in the batting cage, and helping players to loosen up and have fun. 

He REALLY struggled at the end of the season however. 

 

[Vanimal46]

We’re burying the lead on Miranda’s injury. No one talks about the dangers of injury while shopping at Target…

 

[tony&rodney]

If the Twins need a shortstop because they don't trust both Lee or Castro (think they do), the guy is Fitzgerald from AAA Saints. He is a decent shortstop and behind McCusker has had the best at bats of those at AAA. Lee at 3B and Castro at SS is my choice for a few days.

[Mike Sixel]

Most teams don't have starting SS sitting in AAA....I get we like to pile on, and we should at this point, but I can't blame them for not having a starting SS, of MLB quality in AAA. 

[chpettit19]

2 hours ago, umterp23 said:

Always interesting to hear about injuries when we see them but the excuses that it has been lingering for weeks to months coming out afterwards from players just sounds like excuses. It’s like when you hit weak ground balls and basically walk to first base for easy out, well,shucks, I was going to be out anyway. Miranda going on IL after demotion for really bad play and bad baseball IQ, but I’m hurt so maybe that’s why I wasn’t good.

 Twins fan have been hurt watching bad baseball, but last night was fun. Maybe some youth on this team can lead the way to allow the fans to enjoy good, playing hard brand of baseball. 

 

The claim for Miranda isn't that he was hurt during his time with the Twins. It's that he hurt his hand while shopping at Target on Monday. Nobody is blaming his poor play on injury.

[bean5302]

The Twins have a real medical staff, trainer, coaching, manager problem at this point. Guys just drop like flies left and right year in and year out.

The Twins are able to move around guys as needed, but what is going on with Will Holland? He would have been the 3rd depth guy for SS behind Castro and Lee. He played a bit early in ST, but then had some sort of injury. He's on the 7 day IL.