With Matt Wallner (hamstring) on the Injured List and Willi Castro (oblique) and Carlos Correa (wrist) uncertain to play this weekend, the Twins made a bold move.
No, that bold move wasn’t the acquisition of journeyman infielder Jonah Bride. It was the promotion of the organization’s No. 3 prospect.
The Twins are expected to promote top-100 prospect Luke Keaschall, 22, from Triple-A St. Paul this weekend, according to The Athletic's Aaron Gleeman.
Twins to desperately promote top-100 prospect Luke Keaschall while key players are injured
Keaschall, ranked No. 57 among prospects by MLB.com, hit .303/.420/.483 with 15 home runs in 103 games at the Double-A and Triple-A levels last year while dealing with a torn elbow ligament, primarily serving as a first baseman and designated hitter before undergoing Tommy John surgery in August.
The Twins would probably prefer to use Keaschall, who is known for his speed, at second base or the outfield, where he mainly played in the past. He’s seen time at second base this year but hasn’t played outfield yet. He has a .261/.379/.348 slash line in 14 games for the Saints this season.
What does Keaschall's expected promotion mean?
It means the Twins need help immediately. It also means they want to win immediately.
A corresponding roster move still has to be made. Given that Correa and Castro are both uncertain to play against the Atlanta Braves this weekend, one of the two will likely join Wallner on the IL. Castro is more likely to be sidelined, as Correa, who left Tuesday's game against the Mets with wrist soreness, entered Wednesday’s matchup as a defensive replacement. But it’s plausible that Correa will be the unlucky one, as Derek Falvey and company likely want him to feel 100% healthy before swinging a bat again.
Game 1 of the three-game set between the Twins and the Braves is scheduled for 6:15 p.m. CST on Friday at Truist Park in Atlanta.