WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- The numbers aren’t exactly in his favor, but Twins manager Rocci Baldelli is giving Lucas Duda every opportunity to make his way onto the club’s Opening Day roster.
On Saturday, Duda made the long bus ride to an away game and made the most of his opportunity. The Twins’ starting first baseman went 2-for-3 with a double and scored a run during the club's 10-6 loss to the Washington Nationals.
“Lucas wants to get as many at-bats as he can, so I want to give him as many at-bats as I can,” said Twins manager Rocco Baldelli. “This is a guy that sets a great example for every person. He’s been in the Major Leagues for a long time and he’s willing to do whatever he has to do to come out here and prove himself.”
The nine-year Major League veteran isn’t one of those content to play only in home games during spring camp, as many veterans are prone to do.
“Lucas has been very open from the start to getting out there early, playing and getting ABs,” said Baldelli. “He’s a professional. This is a guy I know personally and have spent a lot of time around. So I have an incredible amount of respect for him as a player.”
Duda has hit 30 homers in a season twice before and owns a career slugging percentage of .452.
“He’s a Major League power hitter,” Baldelli said. “He’s a hitter first, and a Major League power hitter who’s coming off a year that probably wasn’t an ideal year for him, obviously. But I believe if this guy gets the opportunity and gets the at-bats to prove himself, this guy’s going to hit.”
All that may or may not result in a spot on the Twins’ roster. Duda is battling C.J. Cron, the newly-acquired Marwin Gonzalez and Tyler Austin for a roster spot at first base.
“He wants an opportunity and I’m happy to give it to him,” Baldelli said.
Sano expected back next week
Miguel Sano is expected to be out of his walking boot and back in uniform “sometime” next week, according to Baldelli.
“That would be a good pick-me-up for all of us, especially him,” said Baldelli. “I know he’s antsy and would love to get back out on the field.”
Sano came to camp in the walking boot, which protects the cut near his Achilles heel that required 12 stitches. He suffered the injury around the time of a championship celebration with his winter ball team in the Dominican Republic.
“He had a great offseason, he’s in great shape, so for him to get out there would be a huge positive and kind of a burst of energy for everyone,” Baldelli said. “I know he’s ready and we’re looking forward to seeing him out there.”
Reed, Lewis in progression
Outfielder Michael Reed and shortstop Royce Lewis continue to progress from their respective setbacks. Reed is dealing with back issues and Lewis, the club's No. 1 overall prospect per MLB Pipeline, is out with an oblique injury.
“[Reed is] actually slowly progressing in a good, positive direction,” said Baldelli. “We’re going to ramp that up in some way over the next week. There haven’t been any setbacks. We’re just waiting to get him out there and get going.”
Baldelli is hoping for a quick return and a longer look at Lewis.
“When Royce finally gets back and starts playing in games, whether he’s in Minor League camp at that point or still in Major League camp, I’d like to get him back over here,” Baldelli said. “Get a chance to see him run around and play in a Major League game. We’re looking forward to it.”
Up next
The Twins have split-squad games Sunday with one team hosting the Phillies, while another travels to Fort Myers to play the Red Sox. Left-hander Stephen Gonsalves is slated to start for the Twins against Boston with right-handers Chase De Jong and Mike Morin and left-handers Andrew Vasquez and Justin Nicolino also slated to take the mound. Against Philadelphia, Jose Berrios takes the mound with righties Preston Guilmet, Ryan Eades and Ryne Harper scheduled to follow along with left-hander Martin Perez.