The Twins have activated outfielder Alex Kirilloff from the 10-day injured list and also called up right-hander Randy Dobnak from Triple-A, the team announced. Dobnak will start tonight’s game against the Indians. Right-hander Bailey Ober and catcher Ben Rortvedt were optioned to Triple-A in corresponding moves.
Kiriloff’s IL placement came with a retroactive date of May 4, so the young outfielder will end up missing 17 days of action — not a bad outcome, considering the somewhat ominous initial reaction to his right wrist sprain. Kirilloff was going to see a specialist concerning his wrist, which emerged as an injury concern during the 2019 season and limited him to 94 minor league games with the Twins’ Double-A affiliate.
However, Kirilloff will now get back onto the field and resume what was beginning to look like an intriguing rookie season. A consensus pick as one of the sport’s best prospect, Kirilloff made his debut during the Twins’ postseason run last season and then made his regular-season debut this April, going hitless in his first 14 plate appearances but then batting .321/.333/.857 with four home runs in his next 30 trips to the plate.
Kirilloff has worked almost entirely as a left fielder or first baseman during his brief big league tenure, but he should get some time in right field as the Twins continue to juggle their outfield while Byron Buxton is still injured. With Buxton out, regular right fielder Max Kepler has seen the bulk of work in center field, with Kyle Garlick, Trevor Larnach, Rob Refsnyder, and utilityman Luis Arraez rotating in and out of the outfield picture.
After this weekend’s series three-game series in Cleveland, the Twins have 13 straight against the Orioles (6) and Royals (7) before a six-game homestand versus the Yankees and Astros. If they’re going to turn it around, these next 16 games would be the time to do it.
They would be interesting sellers if they don’t.
Absolutely, starting with Maeda’s team-friendly contract if he starts pitching better. And Cruz DH’ing for someone like Oakland or Cleveland. The Indians could use that kind of bat, though it would mean Reyes to the outfield.
Good observation. The Twins have been probably the greatest mystery and disappointment so far this season, but it may not be too late to turn it around. This upcoming stretch could provide an opening.
lorddgg, The scheduling break from heaven, but they have to take advantage of it. Even going 12-4 puts them at just 27-32 ahead of that Yankees/Astros homestand. They probably wouldn’t want to do worse than that.
Remember when the experts were calling the twins owners cheap for not paying Rosario? Looks at stats… oh wait he’s just not that good nor is he worth 10 mil.
I could see them dealing Cruz, Garver, Polanco, Colome (not sure who would take him), Donaldson, Maeda, Pineda, and Happ. Not sure of return value but with the injuries what they are in the league these guys might have more value than normal for a contender.
Kirilloff-Kirill-on