What’s left to settle? Twins still have multiple roster decisions to make
Mar 19, 2025
FORT MYERS, Fla. — After an off day on Wednesday, the Twins have just six spring games remaining before they pack things up and leave to play the Cardinals next Thursday in St. Louis. Although Opening Day is rapidly approaching ,there are still 37 players remaining in major league camp and some t
ough decisions to be made.
Here’s a look at what needs to be settled in the final days of camp and the players still in the mix for a roster spot:
BULLPEN
Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, Cole Sands and Danny Coulombe are locked into spots. Jorge Alcala and Louie Varland probably are, as well, but injuries have cracked open the door for the other two spots.
The Twins will need to make a determination on Brock Stewart’s health over the next few days after he strained his hamstring on Saturday night. Stewart was upbeat about it, and head athletic trainer Nick Paparesta said the team didn’t believe imaging was necessary, suggesting the strain was mild. But Stewart is such an important arm for the Twins and has an extensive injury history and that could cause them to be cautious.
“You definitely take everything into account. You take it as a holistic approach for the whole body,” Paparesta said. “And you’re smart. Brock’s had some ups and downs throughout his career staying on and off the (injured list), so we’re definitely going to factor all that into our decision making. It’s not going to be a decision just for myself. It’ll be coaches and the manager and front office involved, as well.”
Justin Topa also dealt with an injury scare this spring, experiencing some shoulder tightness, but the right-hander returned in Monday’s game and seems to be doing well from a health standpoint.
If both are good to go, the Twins could just take the two of them to round out the group. If not, the most likely scenario would be taking Rule 5 selection Eiberson Castellano and seeing how long they can carry him on the major league roster. If he is not on the major league roster all season, the Twins risk losing him.
INFIELD/BENCH
Third baseman Royce Lewis’s injury has created another opening on the 26-man roster and a whole lot of questions for the Twins, who were already working through a plan for second base.
As of Wednesday, it appears there are three spots open, though Lewis’s hamstring strain seems to have cracked the door wide open for Brooks Lee, who seems to be close to a lock at this point because of his versatility. Lee, a switch hitter, can play second, third and shortstop and is a strong defensive option.
If we operate under the assumption that Lee has a spot, the Twins still have a pair of openings.
Austin Martin would appear to have a leg up on one the extra outfielder spot. DaShawn Keirsey Jr., the better defender of the two, remains in camp but is left-handed, and the Twins have two-handed corner outfielders in Matt Wallner and Trevor Larnach.
In the infield, the Twins still have Edouard Julien and Mickey Gasper in camp. It seems likely that Willi Castro will get a good amount of playing time at second base, which could lead to the Twins opting for Gasper and sending Julien to Triple-A, where he would get consistent at-bats. Gasper, a switch hitter, can play first and second and serve as an emergency catcher. Julien has limited experience at first base and would primarily be a second baseman/designated hitter.
“There are still some decisions to be made,” manager Rocco Baldelli said. “There are a lot of calls that are difficult at the end of spring training.”
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