Twins notes: Big men in the outfield means big pain potential

KANSAS CITY, MO. – The Cubs suffered a big blow on Thursday when slugging phenom Kyle Schwarber was lost for the season because of a knee injury suffered when he collided with outfielder Dexter Fowler while pursuing a fly ball.

Schwarber was an impact hitter last season after being called up from the minors.

Schwarber is learning the outfield after coming up through the minors at an infield position.

Schwarber — listed at 6 feet and 235 pounds but who looks larger — is a big man running around the outfield.

Remind you of anyone?

Maybe Miguel Sano?

The Twins saw an example of what could happen if Sano, in his formative stages as an outfielder, makes a misstep.

Both Schwarber and Fowler compared the collision to a car crash. Sano, who was 263 pounds before spring training started but has gained weight since, would make it more like a semi crash if he's involved.

That's why the Twins have stressed the importance of communication with center fielder Byron Buxton if the two converge on a ball. The Twins have joked about keeping Buxton out of harm's way if he and Sano chase after a ball, but it will be no laughing matter if the two collide. Buxton suffered a concussion in 2014 in a collision with Mike Kvasnicka.

And communication might still not keep outfielders from running into each other.

"Even on your best day sometimes that isn't even enough," Twins General Manager Terry Ryan said. "Sometimes two guys are intent on making a catch and sometimes you get tangled up."

Another thing about Schwarber's injury. He tore the ACL and LCL ligaments in his left knee while suffering a severe left ankle sprain. Former Twin Jason Kubel, who was a top hitting prospect, tore the same knee ligaments in 2004 during Arizona Fall League play and came back a different player from an agility standpoint.

Santana was injured the sixth inning as he pursued a drive by Salvador Perez that got past him for a double.

"I'm really sore right now,'' Santana said after game. "I don't know how big it is. I don't know how long [I'll be out].''

Santana had started his third straight game, as Molitor looked for players who could spark the offense.

"I feel bad for him,'' Molitor said, "when you get five games into a season and get a setback like that.''

The Twins promoted Kepler, ranked second on most lists of top prospects in the organization. The lefthanded-hitting Kepler was 1-for-6 in two games for Class AAA Rochester.