The Minnesota Twins finalized their Opening Day roster on Wednesday evening ahead of Thursday’s season-opening game with the Cleveland Indians.
First, the Twins purchased the contract of right-handed pitcher Ryne Harper. Harper, who turned 30 on Wednesday, will make his MLB debut whenever he first gets into a game with the Twins. Harper threw 11 innings this spring with zero earned runs, 14 strikeouts, no walks and seven hits allowed.
Harper made the team because Matt Magill (right shoulder tendinitis) and Addison Reed (left thumb sprain) were placed on the 10-day injured list. Also added to the injured list were left-handed reliever Gabriel Moya (left shoulder tendinitis) and third baseman Miguel Sano (right heel laceration).
The Twins also had infielder Ronald Torreyes up on the taxi squad for Wednesday’s workout at Target Field in case Jorge Polanco was going to be unable to play in Thursday’s opener. Torreyes was sent to Triple-A Rochester following the workout, more than likely signaling that Polanco’s health is not an issue.
Polanco had been battling arm fatigue late in spring training.
Ultimately, this is the Opening Day roster the Twins announced:
Pitchers (11)
Jose Berrios, Kyle Gibson, Ryne Harper, Trevor Hildenberger, Trevor May, Adalberto Mejia, Jake Odorizzi, Blake Parker, Martin Perez, Michael Pineda and Taylor Rogers
Catchers (3)
Willians Astudillo, Jason Castro and Mitch Garver
Infielders (6)
Ehire Adrianza, Tyler Austin, C.J. Cron, Marwin Gonzalez, Jorge Polanco and Jonathan Schoop
Outfielders (4)
Byron Buxton, Jake Cave, Max Kepler and Eddie Rosario
Designated Hitter (1)
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The Twins also made the following cuts on the minor-league side, an industry source told Zone Coverage:
- LHP Dario Alvarez
- RHP Kevin Comer
- LHP Pat Dean
- OF Jon Kemmer
- INF Mike Olt
- RHP Eric Karch
- UTIL Chris Paul
- UTIL Alex Perez
- RHP Clark Beeker
- C Andrew Cosgrove
A few other former Twins found themselves out of work in recent days, as Stuart Turner (Cincinnati), Ben Revere (Texas), Bobby Wilson (Detroit), Drew Butera (Philadelphia) and Trevor Plouffe (Philadelphia) were released. Wilson re-signed with the Tigers on a minor-league deal and will report to Triple-A Toledo. Butera landed with the Rockies on a minor-league deal.
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