Twins outfielder Brent Rooker suffered a fractured right forearm during tonight’s game, manager Rocco Baldelli told reporters. Rooker suffered the injury after being hit by a pitch from Cleveland’s Zach Plesac during the fourth inning of Minnesota’s 8-4 victory over the Indians.
The forearm injury brings a painful end to Rooker’s first MLB season, but the 25-year-old at least made an impressive accounting of himself. Rooker hit .316/.381/.579 over 21 plate appearances since being called up to the big leagues on September 4. Rooker was promoted since Max Kepler went to the injured list with an adductor strain, and in an ironic twist, Kepler is expected back soon and could potentially be the one who replaces Rooker on the active roster.
The 35th overall pick of the 2017 draft, Rooker ranked 98th on Baseball America’s top-100 prospects list prior to the 2018 season, though evaluators in general have considered him to be a step below an elite level prospect due to questions about his defense and the amount of swing-and-miss in his approach at the plate. Rooker is a bit of a “three true outcomes” type, as his strikeouts come with a fair amount of walks and some plus power. Rooker hit .267/.357/.505 with 54 home runs over 1110 PA in Minnesota’s farm system.
Depending on how Rooker’s glovework develops, he could be the heir apparent to Eddie Rosario in the Twins’ corner outfield, or maybe a DH if time ever catches up to Nelson Cruz. With blue chip outfield prospects like Alex Kirilloff and Trevor Larnach ahead of him on the minor league prospect rankings, it remains to be seen where Rooker fits into the Twins’ future, though the small sample size of his 2020 debut provided some indication he can handle big league pitching.
Too bad, I was looking forward to seeing what he can do. Here’s to a full and speedy recovery.
Well that sucks he was just getting started and was hitting good.
That man was raking all day
Righty Rookie Rooker Raked
Eddie Rosario might be a nice piece of trade bait to acquire a bullpen piece.
Well give you Diaz lol
Don’t the Mets need catching and starting pitching more?
Yes but Rosario would look great in the outfield at Citi field and just love his bat. But okay you got me , well throw in Nimmo and you add Garver so we have our catcher lol.
Twins already have Kirilloff, Larnach, and Rooker so I don’t think Nimmo would work. Honestly, if the Twins were to trade Rosario I think St. Louis and Oakland are better fits.
However, I do like Diaz as our closer over Rogers though so I’m curious how much the Mets would value Dobnak.
Please no. Nimmo is better than Rosario. I don’t get the lack of appreciation for Nimmo or why everyone is always trying to trade him for a downgrade. Ok, usually it’s folks who are obsessed with batting average and disdainful of walks. Just ugh.
Given the fact that the lineup is the only area of strength for the Mets, I wouldn’t be so quick to deal Nimmo or any of the bats unless the return is a sure thing.
Otherwise, Brodie needs to cut his losses on the Diaz/Cano trade and try to improve upon it by dealing Diaz controllable starting pitching. If they miss on Realmuto, which is likely, I’d immediately pivot to Yadi if the Cardinals decide to make him available.
I’ll take rosario power plus he has the ability to play 2nd if need be over Nimmo. I am tired of seeing Nimo on defense way too much hit over his head. Nimmo is and always has been overated , give me the 30 plus bombs from Rosario and I’ll take my chances.
I personally would reach out to Kc. Salvatore Perez in a package with Danny Duffy and that would do is justice. Truly believe a change in scenery and league and Duffy winning you 15 games. And Sal well he is what he always been great and always wished he was a Met lol.
We take Dobnak I mean heck if he fails we would atleast have some one that has experience to drive them around lol.