The Twins will open the season in 10 days without their top starting pitcher, their everyday shortstop and potentially their power-hitting third baseman.
This is rather deflating.
Pro sports rarely offer smooth sailing for an entire season, especially in a 162-game grind, but the Twins haven't even packed up their gear in Florida yet and they are already dealing with an extra helping of adversity that will test their depth and mettle.
Good thing the Twins front office made aggressive deals this offseason to upgrade the pitching staff, or recent events would feel more ominous.
News of Jorge Polanco's 80-game suspension as a result of a failed drug test serves as a reminder that best-laid plans can change in a blink of an eye. Teams must be able to adjust and steady themselves when things go sideways.
This is one of those moments.
The Twins already knew All-Star starter Ervin Santana likely will miss the first month of the season after having surgery on his pitching hand. The team also is waiting to learn if slugger Miguel Sano will be punished by Major League Baseball over an alleged assault on a female photographer. Results of that investigation should be announced any day.
Polanco delivered bad news to his bosses Sunday morning by informing them that he tested positive for the performance-enhancing drug stanozolol, the same substance that triggered Santana's failed test and 80-game suspension in 2015. Per MLB rules, Polanco also will be ineligible for the postseason if the Twins advance.