Here are 3 Twins storylines to watch this spring
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Ultimately, all three of the beneath storylines are actually alternative ways of framing the overarching query that may decide the course of the 2023 Minnesota Twins season: Can ____ keep wholesome? (Fill within the clean with any and all gamers of your selection, from Byron Buxton all the best way right down to Jorge Alcala.)
As we strategy camp, it’s value making an allowance for that we would not get passable solutions to all of those questions throughout Spring Training. This group of Twins leaders has erred on the facet of warning in ramping up their gamers’ workloads, and the plethora of harm issues round this 40-man roster might make for an much more deliberate buildup this spring with a number of key gamers.
In a perfect world, Kirilloff would seize the first-base job and set up himself because the common there. The Twins have been ready for his high-floor bat to supply constant impression from the center of their lineup since they first referred to as him up throughout the 2020 playoffs, and he has the instruments to be a really strong defender there.
But accidents have gotten in his means at each flip.
Each of Kirilloff’s final two seasons have ended prematurely on account of wrist surgical procedures, with the Twins hoping that his most up-to-date process may need lastly resolved the longstanding ache within the joint. But from a baseball standpoint, there doesn’t appear to be a lot precedent for gamers present process that surgical procedure, which included Kirilloff’s bone being damaged and shaved right down to create extra spacing within the wrist.
At TwinsFest, Kirilloff stated he was nonetheless experiencing some aches whereas swinging, however he’s hoping that may quickly cross because the bone continues to heal. He’s been at this level earlier than — constructing again after a surgical procedure, hoping that the most recent one lastly did the trick. Each time he’s tried to take action previously, he’s hit one other roadblock. If he does so once more, the Twins appear to be able to play Joey Gallo at first — however that will take away the power of his outfield protection.
They’ll have to attend and see if it can come to that — or if, this time, the ache will lastly go away and let Kirilloff notice his potential.
2. Is there as a lot beginning depth because it appears?
On paper, the Twins have a rotation logjam, with six MLB-caliber starters jostling for place. But in apply, it’s not so easy due to all of the harm query marks.
Maeda is getting back from Tommy John surgical procedure. Mahle solely made 4 begins for Minnesota final season on account of mysterious shoulder points that the Twins appear to be hoping may have subsided with relaxation. López pitched a full season final 12 months, however his profession has been riddled with shoulder troubles. Sonny Gray handled hamstring and pectoral points final 12 months. Bailey Ober missed most of final season with recurring groin points.
Every beginning pitcher among the many high six besides Joe Ryan has some stage of harm concern. Can they make it by Spring Training unscathed? And will Maeda and Mahle be their previous selves?
3. Does the bullpen need assistance?
Again, on paper, the Twins have an eight-man bullpen able to go in Duran, Alcala, Griffin Jax, Caleb Thielbar, Jorge López, Jovani Moran, Trevor Megill and Emilio Pagán. Alcala had the makings of a breakout on the finish of 2021 however basically misplaced his total ‘22 season to elbow troubles and surgery. If he’s again to his previous self, that will be an enormous enhance to the ‘pen — however for now, that looks as if a query mark.
The bullpen additionally appears to be like a lot much less safe if Duran runs into any arm troubles. He was wholesome all through an outstanding rookie season, however he’s a really onerous thrower with an harm historical past — and contemplating Jorge López’s struggles following his arrival in Minnesota, any points with Duran would go away a big hole.
How will the back-end hierarchy stack up? Can López be trusted in excessive leverage? Can Alcala? Can the Twins salvage Pagán? There are many vital questions right here that want solutions.
