Twins Sent Nine Players To Minor League Camp

The Twins optioned RHP Alex Meyer, IF Jorge Polanco and 1B Kennys Vargas. They reassigned six players to minor league camp including RHPs Jose Berrios and Nick Burdi, LHP Aaron Thompson, outfielder Joe Benson and catchers Mitch Garver and Stuart Turner.

Jose Berrios had a tough spring, at least in games. The talented right-hander struggled with command in his first outing this spring. He pitched a great three innings against the Red Sox in his second outing. However, in a minor league outing on Tuesday, he really struggled with his command again. He will head to AAA Rochester, but we should expect to see him in 2016.

Jorge Polanco was hitting .280/.357/.440 (.797) with a double and a homer this spring. However, still young, the Twins want him to play every day. With Brian Dozier, Eduardo Escobar and Trevor Plouffe locked into the infield, Polanco will head to Rochester where he has played just 22 games.

Kennys Vargas was in a tough spot this spring. The acquisition of Byung Ho Park meant that playing time would be sparse for the large first baseman. He had just two hits in 23 plate appearances this spring and struck out seven times (with five walks). He will head to Rochester where he will get playing time. Should there be an injury to Park or Mauer, Vargas would be in line for a call up.

Alex Meyer was also optioned to AAA Rochester. In 4 games, he logged 4.2 innings. He gave up two runs on four hits and four walks while striking out three. It is still to be seen whether the Twins have him start for the Red Wings or work out of the bullpen.

The Twins sent a couple of their top catching prospects to minor league camp as well. Stuart Turner and Mitch Garver are likely both headed to AA Chattanooga to start the minor league season. Turner missed time earlier in camp with some back issues, though he is 100% now. He had just three plate appearances. Garver went 1-8 in camp and spent some time at first base as well late in games. The experience for them was still very important.

Left-hander Aaron Thompson was also reassigned to minor league camp. He pitched well last spring and won an Opening Day job, but that will not be the case this year.

Nick Burdi was also reassigned. The hard-throwing right-hander made a strong impression at big league camp this year. After a difficult season in 2015, he rebounded strongly late and in the Arizona Fall League. He has shown much improved control this spring, still throwing 97+ and working with a good slider. He is another guy we will see this year.

Outfielder Joe Benson was one of the last cuts with the Braves last year. He has been reassigned to minor league camp this morning as well.

Again the Twins now have 43 men on their current spring training roster (13 non-roster). They have 20 pitchers (five non-roster), five catchers (two non-roster), nine infielders (three non-roster) and nine outfielders (three non-roster).

Four guys from minor league camp will join the Twins at jetBlue Stadium this afternoon. Stephen Wickens, Travis Harrison, Jake Reed and Brandon Peterson will play in a reserve role for the Twins.

Byron Buxton was back this morning, feeling better. Danny Santana will start in center field today.