6/21: Molitor on Sano's Return (and Where He Plays); More

Greetings from Target Field, where the Minnesota Twins will face an unfamiliar foe in the Philadelphia Phillies of the National League.

“It’s challenging, I think, for the players, for myself, our coaches in trying to prepare for a team where, particularly in Philadelphia’s instance, we don’t have a lot of knowledge about a lot of these people,” said Twins manager Paul Molitor, “at least in terms of on-site that we can try to watch video and put together a plan.”

Here is today’s lineup:

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It’s Tyler Duffey (2-6, 5.56 ERA) vs. righty Aaron Nola (5-6, 3.51). Brandon and I discussed Nola with Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press on the latest Midwest Swing podcast.

“The pitcher tonight, he’s had a good season overall,” said Molitor. “He can strike people out, he can get a ground ball. He’s got really, really a lot of movement on his fastball.”

Duffey had a good season last year and started this year strong, but has not gone 6.0-plus innings since May 25.

“I don’t think there’s one simple thing you can just throw out there and say, ‘Well, if he can do this, he’ll be fine,'” said Molitor.

“We’ve talked to him about even pitching with as much emotion as he does, that sometimes he can be his own worst enemy out there as far as getting so ramped up and frustrated with not executing one particular pitch.

“A little bit more poise and a little bit of execution, and I think he can be fine.”

Sano on his way back

All the rave in the pregame access surrounded slugger Miguel Sano, and whether he would be at third base/DH or in right field again when he returns.

“He’s hungry to get out and play,” said Molitor. “Between the diagnosis and our concern about making sure that this is something that doesn’t get repeated, we’re proceeding cautiously. I thought he had a really good day out there today. Running was what I was most concerned about; he’s been swinging the bat now for a while.”

“I think that’s a fair question,” said Molitor when asked whether or not Sano would be in the outfield when he returns, “and in all honesty we’ve been having discussions about how we want to integrate him back into his games on rehab as well as up here. It’s not finalized yet.”

Asked if he’s leaning one way or another, Molitor said: “We have these parts here that we’re trying to find how they fit the best including some other young outfielders that are doing fairly well.

It was brought up that Sano may be better suited for the infield because of all the running in the outfield.

“I guess I have asked the question, ‘If he’s coming back from a wrist injury, would I treat going back into the outfield differently than coming off a hamstring?'” Molitor admitted. “And the answer is probably yes. At least it’s probably something to consider.”

Whatever happens, Sano is itching to get back.

“I think the youthful exuberance, you want to get out there, and sometimes you think your judgement is right on,” said Molitor, “but I think the people that have a little more experience with these kind of things are gonna slow down some of that and make sure.”

Dozier’s strong June

After struggling for most of the season, second baseman Brian Dozier is starting to have some success.

“It was search mode for a lot of people here for a while as we try to find a way to dig our way, and we still are kinda are trying to do that collectively,” said Molitor. “But I think that as he’s put together some games that have included contributions offensively, a little more consistent contact, I think he’s overall seen more pitches — at least it seems that way.

“I just think he’s feeling better about his game.”

In the past 18 games this month, he is hitting .324 (22-for-68) with five doubles, one triple, three home runs, nine RBI and a .418 on-base percentage.

“We all know he’s got a few more hits to right field and all those things that he’s been trying to work on,” Molitor added. “I think he’s just a little more confident in the box than we saw earlier in the year.”

Kepler is holding down an outfield spot

Part of the reason why Sano may be moved to the infield is that Max Kepler is playing so well in the outfield. His defense can be suspect at times, no doubt, but he’s been able to hit major league pitching and is hitting No. 6 today.

“For the most part he’s getting more consistent play, and I think that has a tendency to help a younger player relax,” said Molitor, “knowing that being in the lineup the next day might not be dependent on if he gets a hit or plays well.”

Kepler has hit safely in six-straight games, a career high. He is hitting .381 (8-for-21) during that time period, with four doubles, one home run, three RBI and a .435 on-base percentage during that streak.

“I think we’re seeing some of his skill start to emerge, particularly on the offensive end. He’s put together a really nice game the other day with some power, and hit some balls hard and drove in a couple people,” said Molitor.

“Just trying to get him to trust what he can do, and to realize that if he brings his energy and preparation everyday, that he’s got a good chance to help us win.”

Mastroianni has not taken an at-bat

Darin Mastroianni remains on the disabled list and has not taken an at-bat yet as he rehabs his oblique. Brandon Warne reported on Friday that he was in the original Triple-A Rochester lineup on Saturday but did on play.

“I think that there was a little bit of a setback there with his batting,” said Molitor. “He’s had to … went out of here feeling like he was ready to play, and then ran into some discomfort in some of his swinging pregame down there, I think on the first day that he was there.

“You’re not gonna play a guy in a game until he’s ready.”

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