Infield prospect Gordon promoted to Triple-A

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Twins promoted middle infielder Nick Gordon -- the club's No. 4 prospect, per MLB Pipeline -- to Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday. The 22-year-old, son of former MLB pitcher Tom Gordon and brother of the Mariners' Dee Gordon, hit .333/.381/.525 with 10 doubles, three triples, five home runs and seven steals in 42 games for Double-A Chattanooga this season.

"[Gordon] has had a really nice start to his season," Twins manager Paul Molitor said. "I pay more attention to the reports on his defense than on offense, but I know he can swing it. He's had a handful of games at second, but mostly at shortstop. He's making routine plays and that's a good start for him to build on his confidence defensively. We'll see how he adapts to the next rung up the ladder."

Gordon, ranked by MLB Pipeline as the No. 76 prospect overall, has moved steadily through Minnesota's organization since being selected fifth overall in the 2014 Draft. In a full season at Double-A in 2017, he slashed .270/.341/.408 with nine homers and 13 steals in 122 games.

Video: MIN@PIT: Gordon hits a triple to center

Molitor said the Twins have not made a definite decision on if they will possibly change Gordon's defensive position in order to get him to the big leagues sooner.

"I haven't heard specifics," Molitor said. "Coming out of Spring Training, our mindset was to try and keep that afloat the best we can while still open him up to the other side a little bit more so he gets more comfortable. We saw him do both in Spring Training a little."

LaMarre returns
After announcing late Monday that they had designated Phil Hughes for assignment, the Twins announced Tuesday morning that outfielder Ryan LaMarre has been recalled from Triple-A.

"He's an enjoyable guy to have here," Molitor said. "He's got personality. He's one of those guys, when he puts on the uniform, he has a lot of respect for the opportunity because he's been around the game a while and doesn't have a lot of big-league time."

Video: MIN@CWS: LaMarre plates Adrianza with a single

LaMarre, 29, is hitting .371 with five RBIs at Triple-A this year in 35 at bats. In 34 at bats at the Major League level, he is hitting .324 and with three RBIs.

"I feel like a lot of people do just see the superstar side of it and see it as this glitzy, glamorous road," LaMarre said. "It is a lot of hard work. A lot of time spent. For me it's been a lot of injuries. A lot of ups and downs. But to keep working and keep getting rewarded and keep getting opportunities, it makes it all worth it."