BRADENTON, Fla. — The big question facing the Twins for much of this spring was what they would do at second base, where they have an opening there for the taking.
Now, they face another big question: How about third base?
After Royce Lewis strained his hamstring running to first base in Sunday’s spring game, the Twins are now considering how they will fill the hole at the hot corner. Lewis was sent for imaging on Monday, which revealed a moderate left hamstring strain.
The Twins have ruled Lewis out for Opening Day on March 27 in St. Louis and won’t have a timetable for his return until they see how he responds to treatment.
With Opening Day rapidly approaching, the Twins have internal options such as Jose Miranda, Brooks Lee and Willi Castro who could fill in there.
“We have a bunch of (spring) games left … and we’re going to have a little bit of movement in our lineups as a whole,” manager Rocco Baldelli said. “I’m pretty sure almost every day we’re going to have some movement there, get them some work in different places. So, I wouldn’t lock in on any one particular thing, but we’re going to get some guys moving around.”
For just the second time this spring, Lee was at third base on Monday when the Twins were in Bradenton to take on the Pittsburgh Pirates. Lee has primarily been playing shortstop and second this spring while battling for a roster spot, but with Lewis now injured his chances of making the team seem much more secure.
Miranda, whose seven starts at third this spring are second behind Lewis this spring, was expected to see some playing time there, as well at first base and designated hitter. Now, it seems as if he’ll get a heavier dose of third base in Lewis’s absence.
Castro, who made 27 starts at third base last year, could see time there as well, although the Twins seem to prefer his defense at second. Castro and Lee can play shortstop if Carlos Correa needs a day off, as well.
Injuries have been a problem for Lewis, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 draft. He has twice blown out his right knee, once in spring training and once in the majors, and last season missed time with quad and groin injuries. His 82 major league games played last year are a career high.
Beyond third base, the Twins need to sort through extra outfielders Austin Martin and DaShawn Kiersey Jr., and infielders Edouard Julien and Mickey Gasper. All are on the 40-man roster and remain in major league camp.
While Martin is the more likely of the two outfielders to win a spot, the infield seems to be much more up in the air. If Castro is more of a regular at second to begin the season, the Twins could potentially opt for Gasper, who can play first and second, preferring Julien — who hit .199 with a .292 on-base percentage last season — to get everyday at-bats at Triple-A St. Paul.
No matter what way they’re leaning, Lewis’s injury means there is plenty left to be decided before camp breaks next Thursday.
“We’re prepared to answer the questions that are in front of us,” Baldelli said. “How it looks in spring training, the visuals will tell you something, but there’s also a lot else to be considered.”
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