But while the Twins try to evaluate how Gordon could fit going forward, they need to find him consistent at-bats and playing time in the field, and with plenty of veterans still in their lineup, that wasn’t going to be happening at the major league level. The Twins optioned the rookie on Thursday, sending him to Triple-A where he’ll get a chance to play every day with the Saints, while activating Rob Refsnyder from the injured list.
Gordon, manager Rocco Baldelli said, “has done a great job at the major league level. He’s handled himself great. … But what he needs to do more than anything is play, and right now at the major league level, he was playing occasionally but was not going to play every single day. What he needs to do right now is play — play all over the field, all over the infield, all over the outfield and get as many at-bats as he can.”
A middle infielder by trade, Gordon has played center field at times this season, and he responded well there. But Baldelli would like to see him get some time in left field, too, because center field won’t be an option once Byron Buxton returns. Gordon also will play shortstop, third and second base while with the Saints.
“He’s going to be moving around a lot, probably slightly more in the infield than outfield if possible,” Baldelli said. “Logging those innings and just being on his feet and playing every single day is going to bring a ton of value to him and help him continue to develop.”
Refsnyder, another infielder-turned-outfielder, had been on the injured list since June 14 dealing with what Baldelli called “a pretty serious combination of muscle injuries” in his left hamstring. Refsnyder will play primarily in the outfield, but Baldelli said he was available to move to the infield if needed.
Gant wants to start
Newly-acquired reliever John Gant started the season in the Cardinals’ rotation and if given a chance, that’s what he’d like to do in Minnesota, too.
“I’m still waiting to hear on a specified role,” he said. “Really hoping to get a chance to make some starts. I think of myself as a starting pitcher. I’d really like that opportunity to prove myself.”
After not making a start in the previous two seasons, Gant made 14 for St. Louis to begin the season before being moved to the bullpen in late June. The right-hander has made 42 starts in his major league career but thus far has slotted into the Twins’ bullpen.
“I think they are aware that I would like to start,” Gant said. “I haven’t made a formal request or anything like that, but we have talked about it.”
Briefly
Taylor Rogers (finger) has seen some improvement with his symptoms but still has not made a final decision as to whether he might have a procedure, Baldelli said. … Joe Ryan, acquired from Tampa Bay as part of the Nelson Cruz trade, threw 4 1/3 innings of one-run ball in Team USA’s Olympic victory over South Korea to send the Americans to Saturday’s gold medal game.
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Twins send Nick Gordon to Triple-A to get consistent playing time - Pine Journal
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