NEW YORK -- The Twins’ outfield depth is taking a hit. Alan Roden, acquired from the Blue Jays in the Louis Varland trade last summer, will miss at least a month with an injury to his right (throwing) shoulder.
Roden was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul at the end of Spring Training, but he seemed a likely candidate to be the first man up in case of an injury in the big league outfield. He played regularly after the trade last year before a season-ending left thumb injury.
“He has a tear in his labrum,” said general manager Jeremy Zoll. “It’s viewed as nonsurgical at this time. He’ll be down from all activity for about four weeks and then go from there. In theory he could keep DHing, but to keep the recovery more predictable, everyone has agreed to just have him shut down for the next month.”
Roden, 26, was off to a strong start for St. Paul, with a .275/.425/.464 slash line and more walks (17) than strikeouts (14) in 19 games. Zoll said the injury does not seem to affect Roden significantly while hitting, only throwing. While the injury is described as a tear, it’s worth remembering that that doesn’t imply a complete tear, and any strain is technically a tear.
Minnesota has two top prospects in the outfield at St. Paul -- Walker Jenkins (Twins’ No. 1 prospect, No. 11 overall) and Emmanuel Rodriguez (No. 4, No. 64 overall). Roden’s absence likely means that if the Twins have a need in their Major League outfield, the chances increase for a recall of one of the two. They are both left-handed hitters who are capable of playing center field.
Buxton sore but OK
Byron Buxton made a sensational diving catch in the eighth inning of Wednesday’s 3-2 loss to the Mets, saving at least one run in the process. But he felt it. Buxton visibly winced when he hit the ground, and he acknowledged Thursday afternoon that it was a hard hit and that he was sore. Still, he was back in the lineup for the series finale.
“He came down pretty hard,” said manager Derek Shelton. “He made a really good catch. I talked to him last night. I sent him a text after the game. He said he was fine. I talked to him this morning. I saw him this morning at breakfast and he was fine. But there’s very few times you’re ever going to get anything but ‘I’m good’ with Byron Buxton. But he was moving around fine today.”
Bradley returns
When Taj Bradley starts Friday against the Rays, it will be his first appearance against his former team. The Twins acquired Bradley from Tampa Bay last July for Griffin Jax. He’s looking forward to the opportunity but cautioned not to make too much of it.
“That’s gone with the wind,” he said. “I don’t know. I just feel like time has passed, things are gone. I’m happy where I’m at. There’s no nothing. It’s just bittersweet. It’ll be good to see some guys across the field, but other than that, it’s the same game.”
Twins add pitching depth
The Twins continue to stock St. Paul's bullpen with relievers who have Major League experience. The latest addition is Christian Roa, who was claimed off waivers from the Astros and optioned to Triple-A. Roa throws hard, with an average four-seam fastball velocity of 96 mph in the Major Leagues this year, and leans heavily on an effective slider. To make room for Roa on the 40-man roster, Eric Wagaman was designated for assignment.
Roa joins a St. Paul bullpen that has also added John Brebbia, Drew Smith and Luis Garcia since the beginning of the season, all of whom have pitched in the Majors.