The (3-4) Minnesota Twins are welcoming the (8-4) Los Angeles Dodgers to Target Field for a three-game series that starts tonight. It’s not a must-win series… but finding a way to snag two of three games would go a long ways in convincing the fanbase (myself included) that this is a team worth being excited for.
On Monday, the Twins announced that they have called up Jose Miranda, in hopes he can provide a floatation device at 3B, while we wait for Royce Lewis to return, which isn’t expected to happen any time soon. RHP Daniel Duarte was sent down, in a corresponding move.
A multi-month injury absence for blossoming superstar third baseman will not help them win games or fan attention, but a hot-hitting Jose Miranda could certainly help ease the pain, at least a little bit, and (hopefully) keep the Twins afloat until Lewis can return.
What does Jose Miranda bring to Minnesota Twins in 2024?
Why do the Twins have any faith in Miranda, after such a poor 2023? Well, he didn’t necessary hit the cover off the ball during spring training, but just about everything he hit in play went for a hit. In 9 games (25 AB), he batted .320 with a .753 OPS. He racked up 4 RB in those 9 games. Only one hit was for extra bases (a double).
His numbers in 7 games with the St. Paul Saints to start the regular season, have arguably transferred from what we saw this spring. His batting average (.250) is down a bit, but his OPS is a very comparable .742. He’s also hit one homer and two doubles, in just one more game.
But mostly, it’s due to necessity. Miranda has shown the ability to hit MLB pitchers in the past, even if he hasn’t been able to do it consistently. The Twins need more hits out of their lineup and they need more infielders to help carry the load, with Lewis out of the lineup.
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