The Twins announced Monday that they’ve reinstated designated hitter Nelson Cruz from the injured list and optioned infielder Luis Arraez to Triple-A Rochester in order to create roster space.
Cruz, 38, missed nearly three weeks with a left wrist strain but will return to the lineup prior to the opening of a three-game series against the division-rival Indians in Cleveland. The slugger, signed in the offseason to a one-year deal worth $14.3MM (plus a 2020 team option), was off to a .270/.354/.508 start when he was placed on the IL. In 144 plate appearances, Cruz has connected on seven homers and nine doubles. With Cruz now healthy, the Twins will have their lineup at full strength for the first time in 2019; he and Miguel Sano have yet to have their time on the active roster overlap.
Arraez, 22, did nothing to sway the organization’s hope that he can be an important part of their infield mix for years to come. In 30 plate appearances, he hit .375/.467/.583 with five walks against just one strikeout while seeing action at second base, third base and shortstop. Arraez has still played only three games at the Triple-A level in his pro career, so he’ll return to that level to continue accruing everyday at-bats as he works toward a long-term spot on the Twins’ active roster.
julyn82001
Arraez has tremendous potential…
advplee
Arraez looks good. So many young players making an impact on the game is exciting
cowdisciple
Oh good, the Twins needed some pop in that lineup.
Gus Leggett
I love that there can finally be some sarcasm about the Twins because they are doing good instead of what we normally get.
andrewf
Arraez might just be another Brock Holt.
DarkSide830
you mean an above-average starter and perhaps the best utility man in baseball when healthy? sounds like a solid floor to me.
jdgoat
Both of those statements are untrue
Oxford Karma
In what universe is Brock Holt an above average starter? He is an inferior version of Ben Zobrist. He’s got 2000 career plate appearances (3+ full seasons) and has a 6.5 war. Average at best.
twinsfan368
This lineup is scary good and probably the best behind the stros or the dodgers:
Kepler
Polanco
Cruz
Rosario
Cron
Sano
Schoop
Garv
Buxton