After taking two out of three games against both the Houston Astros and New York Yankees, the Minnesota Twins (44-47) are just 1 ½ games back of the Texas Rangers for the third American League Wild Card spot. Additionally, Minnesota isn't too far behind the Chicago White Sox for first place in the AL Central, trailing by four games. The Cleveland Guardians are one game back of Chicago.
Minnesota likely plans to do everything possible to remain in postseason contention without sacrificing the club's future, which should involve some roster shuffling.
1 Twin who deserves an MLB promotion
OF Alan Roden
Roden, whom the Twins acquired as part of the Louis Varland trade last summer, has had an outsanding season for Triple-A St. Paul, slashing .281/.408/.529 (141 wRC+) with eight home runs and 24 RBI over 32 games. He missed a large chunk of the season because of a shoulder injury, but has been healthy for the past three weeks.
While Roden deserves a promotion to the majors, that doesn't mean he will be called up. Minnesota's offense is arguably the best in the AL right now, leading the league in runs scored with 448, so the team doesn't exactly need offensive reinforcements. Minnesota is set in the outfield with Byron Buxton, Trevor Larnach and Luke Keaschall as the primary starters.
However, Buxton may be heading to the IL after re-aggravating a prior hip injury while attempting to steal second base in the Twins' 6-1 win against the New York Yankees on Sunday. With just six games before the All-Star break, it may be a smart move to keep Buxton sidelined from now through the break, then activate him if his health permits. Buxton landing on the IL would create a potential opening for Roden, who has played center field this season. But if the Twins want to make a bolder move, they could promote top prospect Walker Jenkins, a center fielder, instead.
1 Twin who should be sent to Triple-A
OF Kyler Fedko
The Twins selected Fedko's contract on June 15 after the outfielder hit .286/.372/.578 (138 wRC+) with 15 homers, 45 RBI and nine stolen bases for the Saints this season. It seemed like a well-deserved promotion for Fedko, who hit just .227/.327/.319 (84 wRC+) in 76 games with Double-A Wichita just two seasons ago.
Unfortunately, it appears Fedko may not be an MLB-caliber player. Since being promoted, Fedko is hitless in 17 plate appearances with two walks, an RBI and seven strikeouts. Granted, it's difficult for players to succeed without receiving regular playing time. Still, Minnesota may be better off using Fedko's roster spot on a player who can make a greater impact in a bench role.
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