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Twins Video
As was the case for April, Rocco Baldelli has seen the Minnesota Twins remain in first place atop the AL Central largely due to an improved pitching staff. While the bullpen has had some hiccups, the starting rotation has been nothing short of exceptional. Even still, there have been a couple of batters doing some heavy lifting in order to keep the lineup afloat. Take a look.
Honorable Mention #2: Willi Castro 24 G .319/.355/.500 (.855) 4 2B, 3 HR, 6 RBI
Arguably the last position player to make the Twins 26-man roster out of spring training, Castro has become an invaluable piece for Baldelli and the lineup construction. His utility has been used all over the field, and with Byron Buxton relegated to designated hitter duties, it has been Castro filling in behind Michael A. Taylor in centerfield.
Coming into the month with playing time happening sporadically, Castro has forced Minnesota’s hand with his bat. Playing in 24 games and posting an .855 OPS, Castro has contributed more than just singles. He has four doubles to his credit, and a trio of dingers.
Things have been even better the second half of May as Castro has a .908 OPS across his last 13 games. With Minnesota still working through health situations regarding Max Kepler, Joey Gallo, and Jorge Polanco, expecting Castro to fill in everywhere remains a good bet.
Honorable Mention #1: Ryan Jeffers 19 G .263/.429/.474 (.903) 2 2B, 2 HR, 6 RBI
It has been somewhat of a mixed bag defensively for Jeffers this year, but he’s on the short side of a timeshare with Christian Vazquez at the moment. Should his bat continue to look like it did this month, that could change as the year goes on.
After playing in just 12 games last month, Jeffers has pushed his usage up some during May. He’s still not hitting for a high average, but the OBP is impressive and his .903 OPS is beyond impressive and especially as a catcher. Jeffers has three extra-base hits this month, a pair of doubles (one which recently came with the bases loaded) and a pair of homers, and he’s rocking a strong 10/6 K/BB.
The Twins drafted Jeffers early for his bat behind the dish. It has always been a question if he would stick defensively, and while he has, there are still going to be lumps that keep him from an every day starting role. For now though, the bat belongs in the lineup.
Hitter of the Month: Alex Kirilloff 23 G .314/.448/.486 (.934) 3 2B, 3 HR, 8 RBI
When the Twins broke camp without Alex Kirilloff or Jorge Polanco, it was less than ideal. Returning on May 6 though, Kirilloff has done nothing but hit. He owns a .934 OPS through his first 23 games, and his plate discipline has been unbelievable out of the gate.
Kirilloff announced his return to the lineup in a big way when he hit a pair of big flies on May 13 against the Cubs in just his seventh game back. His 22/14 K/BB has helped to put pressure on opposing pitchers, and he has often found himself in advantageous counts because of it.
If there is a level of concern it’s that the exit velocities, hard hit rate, and barrel percentage are all down a bit from his career norms. Being able to hit for power, and without pain, is what the wrist injury directly impacted. If he can keep going like this and ease back into the corner slugging player he looked to be, Minnesota will have a middle-of-the-lineup fixture.
Who do you think was the best hitter for the Minnesota Twins in May? Leave a comment below and start the conversation.
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