The Twins have formally announced their 28-man roster for their three-game Wild Card series against the visiting Astros. Among the most notable decisions is the inclusion of center fielder Byron Buxton and the omission of third baseman Josh Donaldson. Buxton has been recovering from concussion symptoms since being hit in the head with a pitch, while Donaldson has been battling renewed calf issues. Both worked out yesterday, but it seems Donaldson is still not quite up to good enough health to factor into the first round. He could still be added for future rounds, should the Twins advance.
Also notable on the Twins’ roster is top prospect Alex Kirilloff, whose previously reported promotion could lead to a rare MLB debut in the postseason. The Twins aren’t carrying lefty Rich Hill due to the fact that he tossed 93 pitches in the regular season finale Sunday. Right-hander Jake Odorizzi is back from a blister, but he’ll likely work in relief. Here’s a rundown of the Twins’ postseason roster for Round 1 of play:
Right-Handed Pitchers
- Jose Berrios
- Tyler Clippard
- Randy Dobnak
- Tyler Duffey
- Kenta Maeda
- Trevor May
- Jake Odorizzi
- Michael Pineda
- Sergio Romo
- Cody Stashak
- Matt Wisler
Left-Handed Pitchers
Infielders
Outfielders
- Byron Buxton
- Jake Cave
- Max Kepler
- Alex Kirilloff
- Eddie Rosario
Catchers
Designated Hitter
The Twins’ taxi squad includes righty Jorge Alcala, infielder Travis Blankenhorn, righty Edwar Colina, Donaldson, top pitching prospect Jhoan Duran, right-hander Juan Minaya, lefty Devin Smeltzer, left-hander Lewis Thorpe and outfielder LaMonte Wade Jr., per the team.
Mrtwotone
No rain in Minnesota huh?
mlbnyyfan
It’s now or never for the Twins no Yankees in the first round
Monkey’s Uncle
“All I can say is that my life is pretty plain. I like watching the puddles gather rain“
Mrtwotone
Blind melon?
Rangers29
I am so excited to watch the Astros-Twins series today, I see an Astros upset coming, but I want to see (what I think will be) the Kenta Maeda and Jose Urquidy matchup. That series, the Marlins-Cubs, the Indians-Yankees, and the Reds-Braves are all going to have my eyes glued on them.
Nothing
Donaldson got hurt again? Seriously?
mp9
Randy Dobnak over Alcala??!
DarkSide830
La Tortuga should start at 3B
wjf010
Rich Hill is on the taxi squad, as well….how Dobnak made it…..smh
Phoenixdownyjr
C’mon man at least google before posting he threw 93 pitches on sunday. Not a chance he even goes out in this short series.
wjf010
you’re saying he couldn’t have pitched put of the pen on Wednesday (if needed, and if the series lasts that long?) please. still a slap in the face of a veteran….and to lose his spot to a AAAA slug like Dobnak? please.
Dtownwarrior78
As a Tigers fan, I usually would care less about the outcome of this series. But a huge congrats to Alex Kirilloff on making your debut in the postseason! That is a pretty rare accomplishment, and I can’t imagine what’s going through that young man’s head today! Congrats also to the Kirilloff family and good luck in the series.
Technically correct
Made the roster, but technically doesn’t count as a debut yet. Still, good for him. Sorry about your Tigers.
Dtownwarrior78
Thanks for the correction. Still a nice way to make the bigs. And I’m excited where the Tigers will go as long as we get a good skipper this offseason and make a good 3rd overall pick in the next draft! Lol
Angry Disgruntled Sox Fan
Still say Astros upset Twins. Twins haven’t won in the postseason for years.
JerryBird
And that’s why Donaldson gets paid the big bucks. You can always count on him. To be hurt, that is.
toastyroasty
As a big Josh Donaldson fan as well as being a Braves fan, I never would have thought even a week ago that I would be thankful that Atlanta has the Panda on their post-season roster instead of the Bringer of Rain.
How weird is that?!