BOSTON - There's a growing sense among the Twins that Denard Span has secured his big league roster spot beyond Michael Cuddyer's eventual return from the disabled list.
Span has started the past eight games in right field and was 2-for-3 with an RBI single in Tuesday's 6-5 loss to the Red Sox. He is batting .315 with a .413 on-base percentage.
Twins manager Ron Gardenhire lobbied to have Span as an extra outfielder even before Cuddyer sprained his left index finger on June 27.
Now, there are indications the front office is open to keeping Span in the majors after Cuddyer returns, even if it means eating salary to cut another player.
When Cuddyer returns to right field -- and the finger remains sore, so it might be several more days -- Span could start three or four games per week, rotating among the three outfield spots.
Is it better for his development to play every day at Class AAA Rochester? Perhaps, but it's July, and the Twins are in a pennant race.
"I have theories and our system has theories on what a guy needs and doesn't need," Gardenhire said. "... That's why I've been telling you guys every day in the newspaper: I would love to keep this young man. If you write it enough, maybe it'll happen. But it doesn't mean it's always going to happen."
Trade winds While the Twins don't have a pressing need heading into the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, they do view shortstop and third base as two positions where they could benefit by adding a proven veteran.
