Andrelton Simmons is back in the Twins lineup, as the team reinstated the shortstop off of the COVID-19 injured list. Infielder Nick Gordon was optioned in the corresponding move, and Gordon will remain on the Twins’ taxi squad.
Simmons tested positive for the coronavirus on April 14, and had “very mild” symptoms, according to manager Rocco Baldelli. Fortunately, Simmons has been able to return in relatively short order, and will now look to continue what had been a red-hot start to the season. After signing a one-year, $10.5MM free agent deal in the offseason, Simmons began his Minnesota tenure by hitting .355/.474/.452 over his first 38 plate appearances. While that level of production isn’t likely to continue, an above-average hitting performance from Simmons (akin to his numbers in 2017-18 with the Angels) paired with his usual stellar glovework would make him a major addition for the Twins.
Gordon was called up from the alternate training site on Friday, but he is still looking to make his official MLB debut after not getting into any games over the weekend. It was Gordon’s first Major League call-up since being selected with the fifth overall pick of the 2014 draft.
are they intentionally not playing Gordon at this point?
How did Gordon not get a single AB? It’s not like anyone else on the team is hitting
Gordon just got Moonlight Grahamed.