Minnesota Twins: Wild Card roster released, No Sano against New York

The Minnesota Twins look to break the tradition of losing against the New York Yankees in the playoffs. Here is the roster they will use Tuesday night.

The Minnesota Twins are ready to take on the New York Yankees in the Wild Card game and the rosters are set. The first thing of note is that slugger Miguel Sano will not be suiting up to play against the Yankees.

Sorry Twins fans, we will not Sano doing his best Kirk Gibson by limping to the plate and crushing an Aroldis Chapman fastball to win the game in the ninth inning.

Below is the roster and more reactions and thoughts:

Pitchers

Matt Belisle

Jose Berrios

Buddy Boshers

Alan Busenitz

Tyler Duffey

Dillon Gee

Trevor Hildenberger

Adalberto Mejia

Ryan Pressly

Taylor Rogers

Ervin Santana

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Catchers

Jason Castro

Mitch Garver

Chris Gimenez

Infielders

Ehire Adrianza

Brian Dozier

Eduardo Escobar

Joe Mauer

Jorge Polanco

Kennys Vargas

Outfielders

Byron Buxton

Zack Granite

Robbie Grossman

Max Kepler

Eddie Rosario

• The breakdown of the roster is 11 pitchers and 14 position players.
• The obvious hope is that all 11 pitchers are not used. In fact, if they get close to that number the reality is that the Twins probably aren’t winning the game.
• Berrios has the opportunity to play a similar role as he did in the World Baseball Classic as a reliever. He can also become potential emergency relief if for some reason something goes horribly wrong with Santana in his start.
• If Kepler’s spot comes up against Chapman in the ninth tonight there may be a good chance he actually stays in the game to face the lefty, fireball pitcher. The bench bat for this spot is likely Vargas.
• The bench looks to maximize Paul Molitor’s flexibility in his moves. Switch hitters and position flexibility is found throughout.

Next: Twins learning bullpen tricks from the Cleveland Indians

There it is. The roster is set and the Twins will put their best foot forward to try and advance through the playoffs. A reminder that teams are able to reset their roster for each round of the playoffs. The Wild Card game is considered its own round. That means if the Twins advance Sano can be included on the ALDS roster.