Minnesota Twins: Kennys Vargas returns, Phil Hughes hurt
By Nate Palmer
The Minnesota Twins interesting move and an injury news on Saturday make a significant impact on the Twins roster as it takes shape.
The Minnesota Twins are under a week away from Opening Day. Earlier this week I declared that the Opening Day roster was coming more into shape. While that was true, the Twins have thrown some curveballs our way. Saturday we learned of a move that few if any expected. We also learned of another piece of news that seems almost too convenient.
Kennys Vargas reclaimed
The first news of the day was that the Twins reclaimed Kennys Vargas off of waivers from the Cincinnati Reds. This strange move makes one wonder what caused the change of heart for the Twins towards the switch-hitter. The biggest change that has happened to the Twins since Vargas’ release was the news of Jorge Polanco‘s suspension. There is a chance that there is something with Polanco’s absence that has caused the Twins to want Vargas’ back on the roster.
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It appears that now Vargas will claim the last bench spot on the Twins Opening Day roster. That has Vargas seemingly joining catcher Mitch Garver, infielder Ehire Adrianza, and outfielder Robbie Grossman. This allows Vargas to be the backup designated hitter and first baseman, or just a pure bat off the bench. It also seems to signal that Eddie Rosario is feeling fine and won’t be limited in any way as the Twins open the season.
Phil Hughes hurt
The other piece of news that has surfaced today is that pitcher Phil Hughes is dealing with a mild oblique strain. If that it is true, as many have speculated it seems that Hughes could be set for a potential stint on the disabled list. It almost seems too convenient but may end up being a good thing for the Twins and their bullpen.
If Hughes heads to the DL, that means both Tyler Kinley and Gabriel Moya can make the roster. Both relievers have put up good numbers this spring. Both relievers are also pitchers that this current front office has targeted and acquired. Moya in a trade from the Arizona Diamondbacks for catcher John Ryan Murphy. Then Kinley in the Rule-5 draft this past winter. It is especially good news likely for Moya as he was almost the victim of his minor league options.
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The last piece of news has nothing official attached to it at this point. Both pieces of news have created for an interesting Saturday as far as rumblings coming out of Fort Myers.