Minnesota Twins: Who Steps Up if Buxton and Donaldson can’t go?

As the Minnesota Twins look to the postseason, I take a look at what injuries mean to the lineup and how they can overcome them.

In the Wizard of Oz it was the scary “Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my”!! Friday night turned a bit a scary for the Minnesota Twins as Josh Donaldson and Byron Buxton both exited with potential multi-game injuries. Can the Twins survive the injuries of Donaldson and Buxton? Oh my, it’s a tall order, but one that could be done.

Minnesota Twins Worst Case Scenario

In the worst case scenario of both having to miss the first series of the post-season, who would need to step up?

#1 Jose Berrios: It’s time for Jose to step forward and deliver a gem in a likely Game 2 play-off match up. It will either be to win a series or force a game 3.

#2 Marwin Gonzalez: He will be called upon to be that veteran who fills in and shines. He brings the play-off experience and must display that leadership as he fills in for the departed.

#3 Miguel Sano: In the postseason of 2019 Miguel was a paltry 1-12 with 8K’s. He will inevitably be up in pressure situations. It’s time to deliver.

#4 Taylor Rogers: When rested his ball moves and he’s tough as nails, when not, his ball remains flat and he has trouble throwing strikes. Rocco Baldelli will take care of the rest part, time for Rogers to do his part.

Minnesota Twins Best Case Scenario

If both are hoping to be back by play-off time, there are still questions. Even if they return, the Twins must still prove it on the field.

#1 Jose Berrios:  See above but Berrios must show his worth regardless.

#2 Josh Donaldson: The Twins signed the slugger to be a difference maker as he was in 2016 for Toronto when he hit .538 in the ALDS! This is his opportunity.

#3 Miguel Sano: 2nd verse same as the first, time for Miguel to be a little bit louder and not worse!

#4 Taylor Rogers: He’s a “closer” for a reason, to close out victories, the Twins will need him

Maybe I’ve oversimplified. In either scenario the Twins will need the same players to step forward.  Some of the Twins other boppers could certainly step up and provide the offensive punch. Big Mike and/or Kenta Maeda could pitch gems as well and the bullpen will need to hold. It will take the village to raise the play-off banner!

It’s time for the superstars to shine proving their worth. Injuries or not, the games will go on. In any case the formula of baseball stays pretty constant. Good pitching and timely hitting win out. Let’s GO Twins!!