Rosario to arrive at camp 'as soon as he's ready'

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Twins assistant general manager Rob Antony said Saturday that Eddie Rosario, the club's No. 5 prospect according to MLB.com, has been given permission to report late to Spring Training as he deals with "personal issues" at home.

Rosario spoke last week with Twins farm director Brad Steil, but there is no target date for his arrival. Antony said Rosario will report "as soon as he's ready and he gets his stuff in order."

Rosario received a 50-game suspension without pay in January following a second violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The 22-year-old second baseman hit .302 with 10 homers and 73 RBIs in 122 combined games with Class A Advanced Fort Myers and Double-A New Britain last year.

Antony said Rosario will work out but not play games during extended spring training while serving his suspension, and when he returns, the Twins expect him to play second base and all three outfield spots to increase his versatility and give him a better shot at making the Major League roster.

"That versatility plays in his favor," Antony said. "He made so much progress defensively at second base that we're confident in him playing either position."