Twins Spotlight Replay: Episode 5 (Travis Blankenhorn)

[Seth Stohs]

At noon (central time) Wednesday, Seth chatted with Minnesota Twins infield prospect Travis Blankenhorn. The discussion was available live on the Twins Daily social media platforms, Twitter, Facebook or YouTube pages, and are available to watch again now.

Travis Blankenhorn was the Twins 3rd round draft pick in 2015 out of high school in Pennsylvania. He has gradually worked his way up the team's organizational ladder.

In September, the Twins had a need, and Blankenhorn got the call. He made the start, and he went 1-for-4 with a double. He was sent back to the taxi squad the next day, but we will discuss his big-league debut and much more.

Again, if you weren't able to watch LIVE on the Twins Daily Twitter, Facebook or YouTube pages live, check it out now. Also feel free to ask questions in the comments below and we'll ask them.

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More on Travis Blankenhorn

• Get to Know: Infielder Travis Blankenhorn (October 2015)
  
• Catching Up With Twins Infield Prospect Travis Blankenhorn (November 2016)
  
• 2017 Twins Daily Prospect #9 (February 2017)
  
• 2018 Twins Daily Prospect #17 (February 2018)
  
• 2018 Twins Daily Midseason Prospect #13 (July 2018)
  
• 2020 Twins Midseason Prospect #20 (June 2019)
  
• Episode 6: Get to Know Travis Blankenhorn, LaMonte Wade (October 2019)
  
• Duran Headlines Twins Roster Additions (November 2019)
  
• 2020 Twins Daily Prospect #18 (February 2020)
  
• 5 Questions with Twins Prospect Travis Blankenhorn (April 2020)
  
• Play Blankenhorn Everyday! (September 2020)
  

• Travis Blankenhorn Makes MLB Debut, Doubles (September 2020)
  
• Follow Travis on Twitter at @tblank7.
  
• Check out his Instagram page at @travy_bags.
  

Previous episodes

Episode 1: Tom Hackimer

Episode 2: Matt Canterino

Episode 3: Aaron Whitefield

Episode 4: Spencer Steer

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[rdehring]

Another great interview, Seth. For whatever reason, he is one prospect I never understood where he might fit in. Maybe because he didn't come on strong until, was it 2019? Also, more of a utility guy that hasn't settled into one spot.

 

But thank you for allowing us to get to know him better. Interesting how good he was, and successful, at two other sports. One question you didn't ask is where they are going on their honeymoon. With all the restrictions regarding COVID, curious where anyone can go at this time.

[DocBauer]

I haven't listened yet but will. I've always had a soft spot for Blankenhorn since drafted. I always hoped he was going to be one of those really good athletes who just needed time to devote himself to one sport.

 

I've been a bit disappointed, but he seems to be coming in to his own now. I'm not sure he's ready to fill the super utility role that Marwin held just yet, but I'm hopeful he could be soon.

[4twinsJA]

Hope Twins give Travis a good look in MLB in 2021. In past, seems MLB clubs don't have many rookies on opening day roster, may be different next year with basically a lost MiLB season this year. May make more economic sense for rookies next year instead of veteran FAs at 2-3 times the cost.

[tony&rodney]

Blankenhorn is an athletic guy with a fair stick and will be average defensively. I would like to see him stick. The decision for a player to use as a reserve shortstop comes down to Polanco's recovery from ankle surgery. If the Twins are worried I wonder if Simmons is an option. The return of Adrianza is also a fair plan. Neither of those decisions should get in the way of rostering Blankenhorn. I hope he sticks.

The one really important consideration is the timetable or team view on Royce Lewis. The next CBA should dismantle the abuse of holding rookies down and maybe we see Lewis from Day 1 next year, playing 5-6 days per week all across the field. That may hurt the utility role waiting for Travis.