The Minnesota Twins opened the season with Oswaldo Arcia as the starting left fielder and Jordan Schafer as the starting center fielder. It’s not June and the Twins outfield has received a face-lift.
Arcia hit 20 home runs in 2014 and is known for his power. He’s not the most nimble of left fielders and makes the routine play look difficult. He’s just not able to make the plays that his replacement, Eddie Rosario can make.
Rosario made his big league debut on May 6 against the Oakland Athletics. His debut came two days after the Twins placed Arcia on the disabled list and called him up from Triple-A. The move was thought to be temporary and many questioned why they called up Rosario and not Aaron Hicks.
Rosario instantly proved that he belonged. He hit the first pitch he saw at the big league level out of the park.
The outfielder is hitting .277 with three home runs and 15 RBIs through his first 33 big league games. He’s dramatically improved the play of the Twins outfield. He has a strong arm and routinely tracks down fly balls.
The recently released Schafer hadn’t played in a game since May due to injury. Hicks was the staring center fielder before landing on the disabled list. His injury opened the door for the Twins top prospect.
Byron Buxton has not gotten off to the start he wanted to at the plate. But, he’s shown off his speed and good glove.
Buxton and Rosario have a combined 38 big league games under their belt. They are both under the age of 24 and have bright futures.
In Buxton’s big league debut the duo teamed up to help the Twins snap a five-game losing streak. Buxton reached base on a fielder’s choice with the game tied at three in the ninth inning. With two outs and Buxton on first, Rosario delivered a go-ahead RBI double. It was a memorable moment for both Buxton and Rosario. The duo will hopefully provide more memorable plays for the Twins in the future.
The Twins signed Torii Hunter this offseason for his veteran leadership and his bat. But, another reason was to have him be a mentor to the young outfielders in the Twins farm system. Hunter is passing the torch to Buxton and Rosario and it will be fun to watch.
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