Minneapolis – After a solid 11 games in right field, the Minnesota Twins are moving Luke Keaschall around the diamond again, this time to center field.
Keaschall has some experience at the position from his first full year of pro ball in 2024, appearing in 16 games with the Cedar Rapids Kernels and Wichita Wind Surge.
Since his call-up to the majors, the Twins have discussed trying Luke Keaschall back out in center after his arm healed from Tommy John surgery. Now, with All-Star center fielder Byron Buxton on the injured list with a right hip strain and five games before the break, it seemed as good a time as any to get Keaschall back out in center.
“He’s done a nice job since he’s moved to the outfield, in right field,” said Twins manager Derek Shelton. “We’ll let the athleticism play a little bit in center. I think it’s a good opportunity to get a look at him out there. [Alan] Roden has played there in the minor leagues, but just thought right now is a good opportunity to continue to build Keasch’s versatility.”
“I think the goal was to get him comfortable as early as we could,” said Twins outfield instructor Grady Sizemore. “I thought he looked great, comfortable. I actually think center will be an easier adjustment. I think with center, the ball is in front of you, you see everything, just more ground to cover.”
In 2024, Keaschall didn’t commit a single error over his 141 innings in center field. It’s been the same story in his small sample size of 81 innings in right this year. No matter who you ask, everyone talks about Keaschall’s speed being one of his strengths.
“I think with his speed and the way he moves, it’s going to play to his strength,” said Sizemore. “So, excited for him and just waiting to see how it all goes.”
His 12 stolen bases back that up in 15 attempts on the year. Still, the range that comes with his speed has been an asset in the outfield, and now it’s just a matter of seeing it in game action in center.
Moving Keaschall around the outfield in the starting lineup has been easier for Shelton because of the instruction Sizemore provides to every player the Twins put out there. Sizemore’s two Gold Gloves give him credibility with the players. Still, Shelton says it’s also how he connects with and communicates with each player in the Twins clubhouse that leads to such good results, no matter who he’s working with.
“There are a ton of benefits in that,” said Shelton. “You’ve seen our outfield group in general get better. Some guys, we still have more room to go, but they are improving. I think a lot of that is a testament to the work they’re doing and the work that Grady is putting in with them.”
Game action will be the real test of Keaschall’s move to center. There’s no way to tell if he’s completely shaken off all the rust he’s accumulated from not playing the position in two years until he plays. However, given what Sizemore and Shelton have seen from him in right field, they’re not all too worried about what’s ahead for Keaschall.
“We can simulate the fly balls with the machines or fungos, or batting practice all day, but until you get the game reps, it’s what you need to get your timing and your reads,” said Sizemore. “And he’s a good enough athlete where he can do that and do it well at a high level. So excited for him, I think he’ll do a great job out there.”
“He’s played balls off the ball well,” said Shelton. “He’s gotten to balls. He’s had balls in the gap. He’s had balls toward the line. He had a ball toward the line in Yankee Stadium, which is challenging. One in Houston, which was challenging.
“But overall, he’s done a nice job. I realize, and we’ve told him this, there are going to be times when something doesn’t look comfortable, or something may happen. But overall, I think he’s done a really nice job.”
