As the Minnesota Twins continue their pursuit of the Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central, they are making significant moves to strengthen their roster. Despite holding one of the best records in baseball, the Twins still trail within their division. Head Coach Rocco Baldelli is about to welcome two key hitters back into the lineup, which could be a game-changer in their campaign.
Minnesota Twins Lineup Set for a Boost
Brooks Lee, who has been sidelined since August 9th due to right biceps tendonitis, is expected to return soon. This injury was unrelated to the back issues that plagued him earlier in the year, but it has kept him out for over two weeks. Lee will start his rehab assignment with the St. Paul Saints over the weekend.
Alex Kirilloff, who has been out since June, is also on the verge of making a comeback. Initially slated for a demotion to Triple-A, Kirilloff reported an injury instead of reporting to St. Paul, leading to his placement on the 60-day injured list. The former first-round pick is now set to return to action for the Saints on Friday.
While the exact duration of their rehab assignments remains uncertain, Lee has been making significant progress, swinging from both sides of the plate and settling back into his infield positions. Kirilloff might join the Saints in Omaha next week, signaling his readiness to return.
The Twins will be relieved to have both players healthy and ready to contribute to the big league roster.
Fitting Brooks Lee and Alex Kirilloff into the Lineup
It’s important to note that Lee and Kirilloff are in different stages of their careers. Lee, who was promoted to cover infield positions due to injuries to Carlos Correa and Royce Lewis, now faces competition from Kyle Farmer, who recently returned to the lineup. Lee’s .642 OPS in 26 games suggests he still has room for improvement, but he could still find a spot when he’s fully ready.
Kirilloff, with a .653 OPS in nearly 1,000 major league plate appearances, has yet to live up to his prospect potential. His previous demotion still lingers in the background, making his path back to the majors more complicated, especially with the roster expansion now limited to just two spots.
The Twins are relying on a healthy trio of Byron Buxton, Correa, and Lewis to lead them to the finish line. While the return of Lee and Kirilloff adds depth, the lineup has held steady without them. However, with the season nearing its end, every advantage counts, and the Twins need to capitalize on these reinforcements to secure their place in the postseason.
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