The Minnesota Twins officially placed outfielder Austin Martin on the injured list with a left hamstring strain, the team announced. Martin exited Sunday's loss to the Phillies in the eighth inning after crashing into the wall while attempting to catch a fly ball in left field.
Rather than make an exciting corresponding move such as promoting Walker Jenkins or Emmanuel Rodriguez, the Twins selected the contract of catcher Alex Jackson. Minnesota designated Jackson for assignment to make room on the active roster for center fielder Byron Buxton before Saturday's game. He cleared waivers and accepted an outright assignment before his contract was selected on Monday. The Twins' 40-man roster is now full.
The Twins' decision to select Jackson's contract can definitely be described as underwhelming. A journeyman catcher at this point in his career, Jackson hadn't been receiving much playing time with Minnesota after Ryan Jeffers returned from the IL.
That said, it makes sense that the Twins brought Jackson back instead of promoting Jenkins, Rodriguez or even Matt Wallner. The outfield is full with Trevor Larnach, Byron Buxton and Luke Keaschall, meaning a left-handed hitter such as Jenkins or Rodriguez wouldn't be able to receive regular playing time with Minnesota.
Alex Jackson can fill platoon role for Twins with Austin Martin on IL
Meanwhile, the Twins can use Jackson, a right-handed hitter, as a platoon bat. Recently, Martin has typically started in left field against southpaws while Larnach sits on the bench. Jackson doesn't play much outfield, but he has played a game in left field for the Saints this year. Additionally, Jackson played a game at first base for Minnesota this season.
And with the defensive versatility of Kody Clemens and Ryan Kreider, the Twins can easily have Jackson play first base while Royce Lewis plays second if Derek Shelton prefers to keep Jackson out of the outfield.
Essentially, the Twins view Jackson as a bench bat, and they definitely don't view Jenkins or Rodriguez as bench players, which is why Jackson is the one who earned the call to the big leagues.
The Twins acquired Jackson from the Baltimore Orioles for infield prospect Payton Eeles during the offseason. After the trade, it appeared Jackson would be the team's backup catcher, especially since Minnesota agreed to pay the backstop $1.35 million.
But after the Twins signed Victor Caratini to a two-year, $14 million deal, it became clear that Minnesota no longer planned for Jackson to be the backup. He cleared waivers after the Twins designated him for assignment before the regular season. It'll be interesting to see if the Twins keep him beyond this year, as Ryan Jeffers is slated to be a free agent at the end of the season.
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