The Minnesota Twins appear to have dodged disaster after new starting second baseman Edouard Julien was hit on the wrist by a pitch during spring training.
The following comes from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune:
Edouard Julien left the visitors clubhouse at LECOM Park with his right wrist wrapped up. But the Twins have no initial concerns about his health.
Julien was hit on the wrist in the first inning by a pitch thrown by former Twin Martin Pérez. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli and a team trainer went to first base to check on Julien but left him in the game...
"It did turn black and blue immediately," Baldelli said, "but he was doing OK and has good strength."
Baldelli said he's not worried that Julien, who's batting .421 in camp, will be out of the lineup long. There were no plans for him to have the wrist examined.
Julien is set to become the primary second baseman for the Twins in the wake of the team moving Jorge Polanco to the Seattle Mariners. While he may get a platoon partner against left-handed pitching, he spent the offseason trying to work on that part of his game.
The 24-year-old native of Montreal hit .263 last season with 16 homers in 338 at-bats. A full season of his contributions, plus healthy seasons from Byron Buxton and Royce Lewis, should make the Twins' offense even more potent in 2024.
Minnesota won the American League Central last season but was beaten in the ALDS by the Houston Astros.
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