When he was designated for assignment by the Yankees in March, Jake Cave wasn't sure where his career was headed. Now he can't wait to find out.
Cave ended a strong rookie season Sunday with his 13th home run, another 420-footer to straightaway center field that helped carry the Twins to their sixth consecutive victory, 5-4 over the White Sox.
"It was awesome to be able to run the bases in a game like that, the last game of the year," Cave said. "With everything going on with Joe [Mauer], and to be able to contribute to a win like that, it really meant a ton."
Max Kepler also homered, a two-run sixth-inning shot that gave him 20 on the season. And Logan Forsythe delivered a two-run single, helping the Twins finish off a sweep.
Taylor Rogers extended his scoreless streak to 26 innings, fifth-longest in Twins history, while Trevor May, with the tying run in scoring position, struck out two batters in the ninth to earn his third save in the season's final 10 days.
Cave said he looks forward to rest after a long season — but part of him wishes he could continue establishing himself as a bona fide big-leaguer.
"It was a shock to be [designated for assignment] by the Yankees. It's hard not to take that as rejection, to wonder if [an MLB career] is going to happen," said the outfielder. "But it couldn't have worked out better. I couldn't be happier to be here, playing well."
Santana says goodbyes
Ervin Santana was his usual smiling self, saying goodbye to teammates he knows probably won't be his teammates much longer. Santana, his season ruined by calcium deposits in his right middle finger that required surgery in February, becomes a free agent once the Twins decline a $14 million option on his contract for 2019.