Minnesota Twins: Four players to watch in early Spring Training

As the Minnesota Twins come to end their first week of Spring Training in 2021, there have been a few players who have had standout performances in the early going. There are still 22 games to go in Spring Training, but here are the four players to keep an eye on over that time.

OF Keon Broxton: Although Keon Broxton has not had a start in the five games he has played in Spring Training, Broxton has posted a .625 batting average in his first eight at-bats, as well as having a stolen base and a blast that he added earlier today.

The veteran Broxton entered Spring Training as a non-roster invitee and hasn’t played an MLB game since 2019, but he’s turning a few heads right now. If Broxton keeps playing as hot as he has, he has an outside shot to add speed and defense as a depth outfielder.

SP Matt Shoemaker: Matt Shoemaker made his first Spring Training start for the Minnesota Twins on Friday against the Atlanta Braves, pitching an easy two and one-third innings on Friday. The Braves first seven batters went 0-7 against Shoemaker, with two striking out.

That’s an impressive feat, as Shoemaker put down superstar Ronald Acuna, Ozzie Albies, reigning MVP Freddie Freeman, Marcell Ozuna, Travis d’Arnaud, Jake Lamb, and top prospect Cristian Pache. That’s a really good lineup.

The Twins got a great preview of Shoemaker’s talents Friday, and hopefully he stays healthy to continue to show off. Shoemaker looks like he’ll be the team’s fifth starter to open the season, so it’s good to see him starting off well.

OF Kyle Garlick: Like Broxton, Kyle Garlick is also playing for the last outfield spot on an Opening Day roster. Garlick currently sits on the Minnesota Twins 40-man roster, and he’s looking like he will stay there when the first round of Spring Training roster moves are made.

Garlick has hit two home runs and driven in six RBI to start his first five games. Garlick and Broxton will be fighting hard to make it the rest of the way, so this will be a fun battle to watch the rest of the way.

SP Randy Dobnak: The former Uber driver Randy Dobnak is still finding his way to succeed even early in the Minnesota Twins season. Dobnak has yet to make a start this spring, but he did throw two and a thirds inning in his first appearance for 2021.

Although he did give up three hits to Braves hitters in Friday’s game, Dobnak showed great signs of his control giving up no walks in that appearance. Dobnak is also eyeing the fifth rotation spot for the Minnesota Twins Opening Day roster, but if he doesn’t earn it, it is very likely Dobnak will begin the 2021 season in the Minnesota Twins bullpen.