The Minnesota Twins continue to overhaul their infield as they approach the midway point of the season and their latest move came Sunday when Orlando Arcia was designated for assignment. The veteran shortstop couldn’t bring his minor league success to the majors after his promotion on May 19 and his departure now brings plenty of opportunities to the players left on the roster including Ryan Kreidler.
Stuck in a utility role for the Twins, Kreidler’s performance was a solid case for a bigger opportunity and Arcia’s departure could be the one that has him taking off in the second half of the season.
Ryan Kreidler has the most to gain after Orlando Arcia’s departure
A minor league journeyman, Kreidler has made the most out of his chances with the Twins. In 31 games, he’s hitting .246/.338/.462 with three homers and 12 RBI. Most importantly, he’s given the Twins some solid defense, committing just one error in 48.1 innings at shortstop while also playing in the outfield and third base.
That case grew larger in Sunday’s 5-4 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. After entering the game in the seventh inning, Kreidler scored after a pinch-hit single and then delivered the game-winning run on a double in the bottom of the eighth inning. The Athletic’s Dan Hayes also pointed out that the performance could help him earn more playing time, which looks even more likely after Arcia’s departure.
“Kreidler is easily that team’s best defensive shortstop,” Hayes wrote. “...Kreidler has good range, a strong arm and looks comfortable enough at shortstop to take at-bats away from Tristan Gray even when the Twins are facing right-handed pitchers. While Kreidler’s offense would likely slip as a result of not being protected in tougher matchups, his glove could be an improvement as the team looks to shore up a middle infield that makes too many misplays.”
Twins fans would probably feel better if Kaelen Culpepper were getting the opportunity. But with the top prospect nursing a sore glute, Kreidler may be the next best option. While Gray has also exceeded expectations, he’s also been a problem in the field with five of his seven errors coming at shortstop this season.
It would also be an upgrade over Arcia. While he smashed minor league pitching to the tune of a .318/.376/.556 batter’s line with eight homers and 27 RBI over 39 games with the St. Paul Saints, he hit just .271/.300/.354 with a home run, two RBI and eight strikeouts in 19 games with the Twins.
This won’t make Kreidler the everyday shortstop from here on out, but it’s at least a chance to show he can handle a bigger utility role if he plays well. With Arcia gone, he’s likely to get that opportunity and give the Twins another piece of their infield puzzle going into the second half.
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