Gonsalves, Wade highlight latest Twins' cuts

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The Twins optioned pitcher Stephen Gonsalves, outfielder LaMonte Wade Jr. and infielder Nick Gordon to Triple-A Rochester and also sent infielder Luis Arraez to Double-A Pensacola as part of their second round of spring cuts following Tuesday's 10-4 win over the Pirates in Bradenton.

Gonsalves, the No. 11 prospect in Minnesota's system, made his third start of the spring on Tuesday and will depart Major League camp having allowed five earned runs in eight innings. The 24-year-old left-hander made his Major League debut last season and pitched to a 6.57 ERA in seven appearances, including four starts.

Gonsalves worked with new pitching coach Wes Johnson this spring on his lower-half mechanics to regain some of his lost fastball velocity. He had been pleased to see his fastball touch 93 mph in a spring start against the Phillies, up from an average of 89.8 mph tracked by Statcast last season. Gonsalves and Johnson eventually hope to speed it up a few more ticks, to 95 mph.

Wade Jr., the Twins' No. 22 prospect, could make his Major League debut at some point this season, but he will begin the season with Rochester after going 8-for-27 this spring with two doubles, a bases-clearing triple on Tuesday afternoon and 10 RBIs -- second on the team behind Byron Buxton.

Gordon could also be in line to see his first Major League action this season, as the infielder is on the 40-man roster and rose to Triple-A last year following a torrid start in Double-A. Minnesota's No. 10 prospect was 6-for-20 this spring with a double and a triple, and manager Rocco Baldelli hopes that the 23-year-old can sustain his success throughout a complete season.

The 21-year-old Arraez had impressed with his bat throughout his Minor League career, but he also showcased his defense around the infield in his 13 games this spring, and Baldelli also complimented his baseball mind and energy after his first extended look at the young infielder. Arraez was 3-for-18 in camp with a double.

The Twins' Minor League teams begin their spring schedule of games on Wednesday. Minnesota now has 47 players in Major League camp.

Up next
José Berríos will make his fourth start of the spring on Wednesday opposite Boston's Nathan Eovaldi when the Twins travel the six miles to JetBlue Park for a 12:05 p.m. CT matchup against the Red Sox. Blake Parker, Matt Magill, Tim Collins and Mike Morin are also scheduled to pitch. The battle for the Chairman's Cup between the cross-town foes is tied 2-2.