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Minnesota Twins: The impact of Jorge Polanco’s return

By John Geiger II

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 29: (L-R) Ervin Santana #54, Miguel Sano #22, Adalberto Mejia #49, and Jorge Polanco #11 of the Minnesota Twins look during the second inning of the game against the Detroit Tigers on September 29, 2017 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 29: (L-R) Ervin Santana #54, Miguel Sano #22, Adalberto Mejia #49, and Jorge Polanco #11 of the Minnesota Twins look during the second inning of the game against the Detroit Tigers on September 29, 2017 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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As we enter the last week of June, the Minnesota Twins are preparing to welcome a familiar face back into the clubhouse.

Minnesota Twins shortstop Jorge Polanco is preparing for his return following his suspension. He has missed the first 80-games of this season and is eligible to return to the team on July 2nd. However, his return to the lineup isn’t set in stone following a couple of setbacks during his suspension.

Eduardo Escobar has emerged as a possible All-Star during Polanco’s absence. However, the return of Polanco will give this lineup a much-needed boost. Although Polanco is ineligible for the postseason, he can still leave his mark on the 2018 season.

Looking at Polanco’s performance during last season

Ehire Adrianza has done an admirable job during his increased playing this season. However, Adrianza doesn’t offer up much with the lumber and that’s where the Twins will feel the impact of having Polanco back the most.

Polanco started to put things together during the 2017 season for Minnesota. He hit .256 with 13 home runs while totaling 49 extra-base hits. He was able to draw 41 walks while striking out 78 times across 544 plate appearances during last season. The 24-year-old has immense upside with the bat and is a solid defender at shortstop.

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Although Polanco committed 18 errors last season, he has time to grow into the position. He shows good range up the middle with a strong and steady arm. Polanco has the potential to become one of the top defenders at short in the future. The Minnesota Twins made the playoffs last season, and Polanco played a big role in that happening.

What the next few months for Polanco

Unfortunately, as I mentioned earlier, Polanco won’t be eligible for the playoffs if the Twins have a second-half run in them this season. However, Polanco will need to use the next few months to showcase his importance to this teams success.

The Twins lineup can use a jolt and Polanco will be a welcome addition. The PED suspension is definitely a bummer and will hang over him for the foreseeable future. However, if Polanco can come out and produce for Minnesota down the stretch, that will help start to repair the damage among Twins fans.

Next: Trying to understand Jake Odorizzi's recent struggles

Polanco needs to provide the boost that this batting order has been missing. He has 82 games to showcase his skills and the Twins need him to produce. The playoffs are still a possibility and Polanco can help this team reach that goal.

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