FORT MYERS, FLA. – Luis Arraez played third base Sunday. Max Kepler was in center field. Ehire Adrianza handled first.
The Twins' emphasis on versatility hasn't diminished in Rocco Baldelli's second season as manager.
"You never know what's going to happen, and to have guys ready and available and prepared to go over there, it makes sense," Baldelli said after the Twins' 7-6 loss to the Red Sox at JetBlue Park. "Our guys do play around the field and are up for absolutely anything."
Well, there are limits. Miguel Sano certainly still possesses the ability to play third, but now that Josh Donaldson's arrival has pushed Sano across the diamond, Baldelli prefers to keep him there to continue his first-base education.
"It would make the most sense to let him focus on first base and everything going on over there," Baldelli said of Sano. "His energy and focus will be at first base."
Donaldson's presence probably means that Arraez, too, won't play third base this season, even though the second baseman manned third 17 times as a rookie in 2019. Still, the Twins want to keep his glove available.
"In order to [move to another position] when the time comes, they have to stay prepared. And on top of that, Luis likes getting work around the infield," Baldelli said. "There's no hesitation to put him over there."
Kepler's status is less predictable, given that Byron Buxton hasn't played yet this spring. Kepler is the best defensive option in center if Buxton's shoulder prevents him from being ready to start the season. "It would be good to keep Kep in right field as much as we can. But we know that it's not always going to be [possible]. Things happen," Baldelli said. "There's a chance that Kepler moves around a little bit, especially in center."