Mickey Gasper, a 29-year-old rookie, made a costly error in the fourth inning on Tuesday night, booting a 90.5 mph routine groundball off the bat of Vinnie Pasquantino. It's not a good look for the journeyman infielder, especially given his recent struggles at the plate.
Gasper's error leads to a run
The error came after a Bobby Witt double, putting runners at first and third. Salvador Perez followed with a gut punch for Minnesota, hitting a sharp ground to a diving Jose Miranda at third base, who threw Pasquantino out at second while Witt crossed home plate.
Lopez limits the damage
Starting pitcher Pablo Lopez committed the Twins’ second error of the inning by fielding a 43.5 mph groundball and attempting to throw out Michael Massey, hurling the ball out of the reach of Gasper at first base. Luckily for Lopez, the ball didn’t get too far away, and Perez winded up at third base with Massey at second. Lopez then did what he does best, striking out Mark Canha swinging on a sweeper in the dirt.
Gasper's roster spot is in jeopardy
It could've been worse for Minnesota, but Gasper’s error doesn’t help his case of staying on the roster, especially given his 1-for-10 start to the season.
Gasper unexpectedly made the Twins’ opening day roster after his monster spring training, where he posted a jaw-dropping .308/.417/.487 slashline. The Twins second baseman also holds a career .392 OBP at the minor league level.
Unfortunately for Gasper, the Twins don’t have time to experiment with journeymen players who aren’t producing. They desperately need to string some wins together after starting the 2025 campaign 3-7.
With Brooks Lee currently rehabbing and Royce Lewis expected to return at some point, expect Gasper to be the first guy on the Twins' roster to lose his spot.
Bader ties the game
On the bright side for Minnesota, Harrison Bader continues to mash. The former Cardinal outfielder knotted the game at 1-1 in the fifth inning on a 100.2 MPH single to left field off the glove of a leaping Mark Cahna, who banged against the wall.
But the good times didn’t last.
Lopez exits game with apparent leg injury
Lopez left the game with two outs in the fifth after Carlos Correa called for trainer Nick Paparesta. It appears it was a leg injury of some sort for Lopez, as he was grabbing on his right hamstring while seemingly in pain. He threw just 78 pitches.