The Minnesota Twins will be getting their star first baseman, Joe Mauer, back soon. Jake Cave provides an offensive lift while Royce Lewis goes down.
The Minnesota Twins are about to get a big part of their offense back it appears by this coming weekend. Joe Mauer has progressed well enough that he is headed out to Triple-A Rochester to begin his rehab assignment. All reports point to Mauer joining the Red Wings Tuesday and Wednesday and that he will have a chance to DH and play first base.
As the Twins have struggled to do much of anything offensively for much of the season outside of Eduardo Escobar and Eddie Rosario. Having Mauer’s bat and ability to get on base back in the lineup will be welcomed. Something they have been missing since he went out with concussion-like symptoms after suffering a cervical neck strain.
This season Mauer has been slashing .283/.404/.355 with seven doubles and a home run. That middle number in the slash line represents the value that Mauer has regained after remaking himself as a first baseman. Not to mention he has developed himself into one of the best defensive first basemen in the game.
More from Puckett's Pond
- Minnesota Twins: After signing with the Mets, Correa spurns Twins again
- Minnesota Twins: You Spin Me Right Round, Right Round
- Minnesota Twins: What happens next at Shortstop?
- Minnesota Twins: Grading the Twins’ Joey Gallo signing
- Minnesota Twins: 4 Possible Trade Chips not named Kepler or Arraez
Jake Cave recalled
Speaking of adding offense to the lineup, the Twins received some immediate help from recalled Jake Cave. With Byron Buxton on the disabled list and with Ryan LaMarre not adding much in the way of offense the Twins turned to Cave again to see what he could provide.
On Sunday Cave was 3-for-4 and scored two runs, had three RBIs, off of a double and a home run. It was certainly good to see Cave have success in his first game back with the Twins. As I wrote at the time of his first call-up, with the Twins in a position where they are struggling to find offense. Cave is the perfect player to give playing time to with Buxton sidelined.
We will now see going forward what sort of playing time Cave receives.
Next: A look at 1st round draft pick Trevor Larnach
Royce Lewis injures leg
Sunday while serving as the Cedar Rapids designated hitter, Royce Lewis injured his leg during his first at-bat and was immediately lifted from the game Sunday and replaced by Jacob Pearson. After going 2-for-4 on Saturday, Lewis looked like he was busting out of a bit of a slump he had found himself in at the plate. The hope will be that the injury was nothing more than an awkward step and Lewis will be back to action quickly.