Robbie Grossman spent spring training doing everything possible to become the outfielder he used to be.
He invested his energy into drills to improve his footwork. The Twins decided that he needed to soften his hands, so he no longer jams his entire hand into his glove.
Grossman felt he made progress. And just when he was ready to prove it as the Twins extra outfielder, they made him a designated hitter.
"It's crazy how your career works," Grossman said. "You have your ups and your downs. I never thought of myself as a DH."
That's where Grossman, 27, helps the Twins' young and walk-hungry offense the most. He works counts. His 14.1 percent walk rate led the team last season. He's a switch-hitter who is a career .286 against lefthanded pitchers but hit .344 against them in 2016.
So he was a perfect fit for the second spot in the batting order on Monday as the Twins outlasted Royals lefty Danny Duffy, then pulled away to a 7-1 win. Grossman struck out three times but walked twice, including once with the bases loaded that forced in a run.
By the way, two walks in five at-bats is a .400 on-base percentage.
"He probably has a high percentage in at-bats that end up as a non-play because of his walks, and he can strike out, too," Twins manager Paul Molitor said. "You want guys who can hit. But between pitch count and getting base-runners, those are important too."