Minnesota Twins: A look ahead at Roster Decisions before Season’s End

Brent Rooker of the Minnesota Twins runs after hitting a home run during an intrasquad game on July 17, 2020 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
Brent Rooker of the Minnesota Twins runs after hitting a home run during an intrasquad game on July 17, 2020 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) /
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The Minnesota Twins have 2 weeks left in the season, so we take a look at some of the roster decisions by position as the season closes.

Minnesota Twins Catching

Mitch Garver should be back this week when the Minnesota Twins finish up in Chicago There’s no questioning he’ll be back on the roster. A decision must be made on what to do with the Ryan Jeffers, Alex Avila, Willians Astudillo trio and if they want to carry 3 catchers.

Jeffers has been a pleasant surprise. Avila is the experienced, far superior defensive catcher with Astudillo offering much more off the bench as a pinch hitter and defensive versatility. Avila would have to be released outright, likely marking an end to his Twins career, or extend his IL stint (hint, hint). I see Garver and Jeffers holding down the position the rest of the way.

Minnesota Twins Outfield

The unfortunate broken arm abruptly halts the promising start of Brent Rooker but clears the way for Max Kepler‘s return. Jake Cave and Marwin Gonzalez will get sprinkled in as rest is needed. LaMonte Wade Jr brings depth but his role is a ? as IL players return.

Minnesota Twins Infield

Luis Arraez went on the IL with his troublesome knee. Marwin Gonzalez and Ehire Adreanza will fill his void. Perhaps we’ll see a La Tortuga sighting in the infield? Hopefully the rest can set Luis up for a healthy post season return.

Minnesota Twins Pitchers

Hopefully Jake Odorizzi can make a start on Wednesday, giving the Twins a true “rotation” for the final 2 weeks. Perhaps we’ll see a Homer Bailey sighting for a game for a just in case injury scenario? The revolving door of optionable 2 way pitchers will continue as the season finishes. Zack Littell may get a look on that merry go round to see if he’s ready for any play-off duties.

Minnesota Twins Closing Thoughts

When Garver, Odorizzi and Arraez return will the Twins carry Wade, Cave and the 3rd catcher? Wade and/or Astudillo would seem to be most likely to be sent back to the taxi squad or St. Paul. The pitching will hinge on the health of Jake Odorizzi and who has the hot hand in the bullpen. What will be the play-off rotation? It’s fun as we think about the play-offs!!