TODAY: Gordon’s MRI didn’t show any damage beyond the sprain, president of baseball operations Derek Falvey told reporters (including Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune).
MARCH 3: Twins utilityman Nick Gordon exited today’s game after making an off-balance throw to first base, and he’s been diagnosed with a “mild to moderate” high ankle sprain, tweets Aaron Gleeman of the Athletic. Gordon, who was in the game at second base, was wearing a walking boot and on crutches after the game. He’s out through at least Monday, though he’ll continue to be evaluated in the interim.
Manager Rocco Baldelli fortunately told reporters after the game that the issue doesn’t look too severe, though he noted “there’s a wide range of outcomes” in his return timetable (via Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com). Even if turns out to be a relatively minor concern, Baldelli suggested Gordon was likely to require “a little time off his feet.”
Gordon, 27, broke out with a solid .272/.316/.427 batting line, nine homers, 28 doubles, four triples and six stolen bases in 443 plate appearances last season. The former No. 5 overall pick perhaps hasn’t lived up to that draft billing, but he entered spring training with a spot locked down as a vital utility option in Minnesota. Gordon saw time at second base, shortstop, third base and all three outfield slots for the Twins in 2022, and his offensive output was 11% better than a league-average hitter, by measure of wRC+.
The Twins boast a deep group of position players, with Donovan Solano and Kyle Farmer both joining Gordon as backup infield options, while defensive standout Michael A. Taylor provides another option at all three outfield slots. Minnesota’s signing of Solano likely pushed corner outfielder/designated hitter Trevor Larnach off the big league roster by simple virtue of the fact that he has a minor league option remaining. If Gordon were to miss any time early in the season, Larnach would likely find himself all but assured an Opening Day roster spot — particularly since fellow outfielder Gilberto Celestino is out for the next six to eight weeks following thumb surgery.
Someone check Larnach’s locker for a Jobu doll…
You tryin to say that Jesus Christ can’t hit a curveball?
Pls be okay
Could be a problem all year
Many players want to be extra cautious about injuries in spring training, but some don’t realize that medical professionals will often keep them out for much longer.
Bust
No, it was his ankle.
Players roll ankles every day. You’d be better off with a break than a high ankle sprain. Patrick Mahomes spent two weeks in the tank to be able to limp in the Super Bowl.
Dang! Whatever will the Twins do now that they only have 6 lefty outfielders to choose from??
I’m surprised he didn’t injure it making a doofus dive in the outfield.
Better 100% healthy than in the opening day lineup imo. Him and Miranda needing some time off certainly isn’t good, both of them had breakout years last year. It does open the door for Larnach and possibly Juliens debut
Miranda isn’t taking time off. He’s DH’ing.
Now having all that hitter depth doesn’t seem so crazy. Donovan Solano just got a boost!