MILWAUKEE - Jamey Carroll signed a two-year, $6.75 million deal on Nov. 16, and the Twins announced at the time that he would be their starting shortstop.
The arrangement lasted 27 games.
The veteran infielder will arrive at U.S. Cellular Field on Tuesday for the Twins' series opener against the White Sox prepared to start at either second or third base because rookie Brian Dozier has become the new shortstop. Carroll didn't throw a fit or complain about becoming a utility player, saying: "I'm all about whatever needs to be done."
And so he's become a mentor to Dozier, not afraid to lavish praise on the youngster who took his job.
"He's mature for his age," Carroll said. "I noticed that in spring training. He's been big for us since he's been up here."
Dozier made his major league debut May 7 after being called up from Class AAA Rochester and has been the starter at short ever since, batting .279 with two homers and eight RBI in 14 games while playing steady defense.
Carroll, 38, was supposed to be the bridge to Dozier -- a bridge to 2013. Many thought that Dozier outplayed everyone at short during spring training, and the 24-year old continued to accelerate his timeline by playing well at Rochester.
"I'm not sure anyone really expected him to be up here this early," Carroll said, "but when you have the situation we put ourselves in, it kind of forced its hand. What am I to do? ... I want to play and try to help. It really didn't help my situation out hitting .220 or barely hitting .200 or whatever.