Austin Martin exited the Twins' spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday due to suffering a concussion, The Minnesota Star Tribune Bobby Nightengale reported. There has yet to be an update regarding Martin's status, but it's hard to imagine he'll be ready for Opening Day in Baltimore a week from today.
On a team full of left-handed hitting outfielders, Martin, a right-handed hitter who can play outfield and second base, seemed likely to make the Opening Day roster before leaving Monday's game. Now, there's presumably an opportunity for someone else to break camp on the big-league team.
3 players who could make Twins’ Opening Day roster due to Austin Martin's injury
Eric Wagaman
Wagaman bats from the right side and can play left field, first and third base. Acquired by the Twins from the Miami Marlins this past offseason, Wagaman slashed .283/.321/.462 over 173 at-bats against southpaws last year.
Martin seemed primed to be a regular in the Twins' lineup against lefties, and Wagaman could easily take over that role. However, Wagaman is a significantly worse defender than Martin, so the Twins could opt for someone else to take Martin's spot if strong defense is a priority for the club.
Alan Roden
Roden is having a strong spring training, hitting .333/.400/.444 over 40 plate appearances. He's mainly a left fielder, but he's also played some center field this spring. If it weren't for James Outman, who's out of options and is also having a strong spring, Roden wouldn't need an injury to make the Opening Day roster, even though he's arguably earned a spot with his performance this spring. With Martin likely to begin the season on the concussion list, Roden has a much better chance of breaking camp on the 26-man roster. Unfortunately for Roden, the Twins may opt for a right-handed bat like Wagaman to replace Martin's presumed spot.
Ryan Kreidler/Orlando Arcia
I paired these players together because one of them will likely make the roster as the backup shortstop, regardless of Martin's injury status. Kreidler likely has the best chance of the two since he can play outfield, but Minnesota could also prefer Arcia's MLB experience.
Now that Martin may be sidelined to begin the season, both Kreidler and Arcia could be on the Opening Day roster. Both players have struggled significantly at the plate in recent years, but they can offer attractive position flexibility.