3/3/17

News and Notes from the Twins Spring Training: 3/3/17

This is the latest report of the happenings in the Twins' Spring training.   The previous one is here, and can find all 2017 Twins Spring Training related posts here.  I will be describing events of interesting in the Twins' camp as well as happenings with former Twins.  For two weeks these reports will be live from Fort Myers and will be indicated in the title.

  • The Twins were embarrassed on Fat Tuesday against the Ray in Port Charlotte:
    • The starter, LHP Hector Santiago, who feels confident enough for his spot on the Twins' rotation to abandon the team for 3 weeks to pitch for team Puerto Rico in the WBC, allowed 5 R in 2 innings with 5 hits and a walk.  Two of them were home runs.  LHP Randy Rosario bailed him out with a scoreless second inning before handing the ball to another rotation hopeful Tyler Duffey, who managed to get 2 outs while allowing 6 runs in 5 hits.  Felix Jorge followed and let a couple more score, before LHP Adalberto Mejia and RHP Ryan Pressly pitched a shutout inning each.  Matt Belisle and JT Chargois who followed them, allowed 3 runs each in an inning of work.
    • The hitting was equally horrific, with the Rays pitchers pitching a perfect game until the 7th.  The final score was 0-19 and was a totally forgettable game
  • Twins' 2016 first round draft pick, OF Alex Kirillof who injured his elbow last August 28th will require Tommy John surgery, because rest and rehab did not work, and will miss all of 2017.  Apparently he had a platelet injection before the rest and rehab.
  • Phil Hughes's second start against the Orioles was better, allowing 3 hits, 2 walks and an earned run in 2 innings, however his velocity was at 87-89.  Hughes admitted that he is not going to be throwing at 100% for 2 more starts, so it will be difficult to judge readiness, until then.  Speaking of LHPs Glen Perkins and Mason Melotakis took a couple more positive steps towards returning.   Other than Mike Tonkin (1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 HR, 2 ER) and Ryan O'Rourke (1 IP, 3 H, 1 K, 2 HR, 3 ER) who are quickly falling behind in the bullpen battle, the Twins' relievers were lights out yesterday
  • As far as position players go, Kennys Vargas still has to get his first hit and leaving next week for the WBC.  Given that he has an option left, he really needs to get on fire, because right now he is behind ByungHo Park.  Eduardo Escobar is also 0 for Spring at this point.

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