Ex-Twins skipper Kelly works with Vargas on defense

MINNEAPOLIS -- Former Twins manager Tom Kelly came to Target Field on Tuesday to work with rookie Kennys Vargas on his defense at first base.

Vargas has been primarily serving as the club's designated hitter since being called up from Double-A New Britain on July 31. He made his 14th start at DH on Tuesday compared to just three starts at first base.

But the Twins want Vargas to keep working on his defense at first base, and Kelly was called in to help him, as they've worked together plenty in the past, especially during Spring Training.

"It was a good session," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "I called TK and asked him to come out here. I wanted him to work with him at first base. He worked with Vargas in the Minor League system, so we wanted to make sure he was seeing the same things with his footwork and arm action. So it was nice and Kennys got a lot of work in."

Gardenhire said the Twins specifically want Vargas to work on his throwing motion and his footwork around the bag. Vargas played 81 games at first base at Double-A this season and continues to improve his defense, but it still needs work.

"It's his arm angle," Gardenhire said. "He's dropping it down and the ball is moving all over the place. And some footwork. But it's about protecting his arm. Some of the throws he's making, he can hurt his arm if he throws that way consistently. So he needs better mechanics."