Twins manager Rocco Baldelli plans to give some of his regulars days off this week, as the Twins have reached a stretch in which they will play 26 games in 27 days and 39 in 41.
Max Kepler and Marwin Gonzales were not in the starting lineup on Monday - and more is coming.
"On the homestand basically, we're going to find a way to give most of our guys a day, give them a little time off their feet as well," Baldelli said. "We have good players who don't play on the regular. I'd like to find ways to get them involved, get them at-bats. They are quality players and also are deserving of an opportunity as well. Like Kep, like Marwin, there are going to be days when we look up and see most of our guys with a day on the homestand."
Jake Cave replaced Kepler in right field. Mitch Garver replaced Kepler as the leadoff hitter.
Yes, Mitch Garver. The Twins sure love their leadoff-hitting catchers. Baldelli is going with the hot hand in Garver, who is starting in his third consecutive game.
"On days where we are going to give Max a day, you could move people around and change the lineup up a decent amount," Baldelli said. "Or you could find someone that also has excellent at bats like Mitch. He is kind of a patient guy. He's a guy who has a pretty good approach up there and a good idea of what he's doing. He's also swinging the bat really well for us right now. I think he's comfortable doing it, too, which I think matters as well."
The Twins could have a very productive week if they take care of the two worst teams (on paper) in the AL East in Toronto and Baltimore. It all starts tonight as they open a four-game series against the Blue Jays at Target Field. Then they head to Baltimore for a weekend series.
But this series opens with a tester.
