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Minnesota Twins 3 Up, 3 Down: Nelson Cruz’s return sparks Twins

By Chris Schad

DETROIT, MI - JUNE 7: Nelson Cruz #23 of the Minnesota Twins celebrates his solo home run that broke a 3-3 tie against the Detroit Tigers with Eddie Rosario #20 of the Minnesota Twins during the eighth inning at Comerica Park on June 7, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. The Twins defeated the Tigers 6-3. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - JUNE 7: Nelson Cruz #23 of the Minnesota Twins celebrates his solo home run that broke a 3-3 tie against the Detroit Tigers with Eddie Rosario #20 of the Minnesota Twins during the eighth inning at Comerica Park on June 7, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. The Twins defeated the Tigers 6-3. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – APRIL 21: Willians Astudillo #64 of the Minnesota Twins doubles in the first to score Jorge Polanco #11 of the Minnesota Twins in the first inning during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 21, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – APRIL 21: Willians Astudillo #64 of the Minnesota Twins doubles in the first to score Jorge Polanco #11 of the Minnesota Twins in the first inning during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 21, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

DOWN: Willians Astudillo

Willians Astudillo has become one of the most loveable Twins since making his debut about a year ago, but the 27-year old had become shell shocked as of late as he struggled at the plate. Since April 5, the utility man hit .214/.236/.301 at the plate with just two home runs and 11 RBI. Those numbers just weren’t going to cut it in the lineup and with the return of Mitch Garver, the Twins optioned Astudillo to Triple-A Rochester on Saturday to add Ryan Eades to the bullpen.

Even with his struggles at the plate, the decision to send “La Tortuga” to Rochester had to be a tough one, but it’s one that may do him some good. While Astudillo is known for his free swinging ways at the plate, his approach was beginning to look like a child at a piñata party even though he is a master of getting the bat on the ball.

The Twins have to wait 10 days from his demotion to call Astudillo back up barring injury, but with his ability to play multiple positions on the plate and the chance to work on some things, it’s likely that this won’t be a long stay in Rochester. (Additional note: Astudillo has gone 6-for-8 with a home run in his two games with the Red Wings.)

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