Jump to content
Twins Daily
  • Create Account

  • Martin, Lewis Among Players Sent to Minor-League Camp

    Seth Stohs

    By Seth Stohs

    The Twins made several roster moves on Saturday morning, sending four hitters to minor league spring training including their two top prospects. They now have 49 players on their spring roster. 

    Image courtesy of Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

    Twins Video

    On Saturday, the Twins sent four of their hitting prospects to minor-league camp. Royce Lewis was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul. In addition, Austin Martin, Aaron Sabato and Spencer Steer were reassigned to minor-league camp. In case you were wondering, the distinction is that Lewis is on the 40-man roster, so this is his first option year. The others are not on the 40-man roster so they don't need to be optioned yet. 

    For Lewis, it's been a good chance to just get back on the field again. As has been greatly documented, he was at the Twins alternate site in St. Paul in the 2020 pandemic-lost season. Last year, he arrived at spring training only to learn that he had a torn ACL and missed the full season. He played in four spring games at went 1-for-8 with a stolen base. He also did a nice job at shortstop.

    While Lewis was technically optioned to St. Paul, that does not necessarily mean that he will start the season with the Saints. It could still be determined that he begin the season in Double-A Wichita. Either way, it is good to see Lewis back on the field and on the path upward. 

    Martin played in five games for the Twins this spring. He went 3-for-9 with a home run. He walked twice and struck out five times. It will be interesting to see where the Twins assign Martin. He spent his pro debut at the Double-A level. Could he get another month or two there before jumping up to St. Paul?

    Spencer Steer went 0-for-5 in his limited spring appearances, but it is clear that the organization really likes the versatile slugger. He should begin the 2022 season where he ended 2021, with the Wind Surge in Wichita. 

    Aaron Sabato played in six spring games and went 0-for-9 with six strikeouts. He is likely to begin the 2022 season with the Cedar Rapids Kernels where he finished 2021 with 22 games. 

    The Twins spring roster now consists of 49 players. There are 24 pitchers (7 non-roster), five catchers (2 non-roster), 11 infielders (4 non-roster), and nine outfielders (3 non-roster). 

    With the season less than two weeks away, the team will need to make several more transactions to get down to the 28-man Opening Day roster. 

     

     

    Seth Stohs has been blogging about the Minnesota Twins since May 2003. A founder and owner of Twins Daily, Seth has been a Twins fan for 40 years and has a passion for covering the minor leagues and prospects.
    Follow Seth Stohs on Twitter: sethtweets

    MORE FROM TWINS DAILY
    — Latest Twins coverage from our writers
    — Recent Twins discussion in our forums
    — Follow Twins Daily via Twitter, Facebook or email
    — Become a Twins Daily Caretaker

     Share
     Share
    Go to articles

    Community Blogs

    • How many games will the Minnesota Twins win in 2023?
    • Gopher Preview (Week 3)

    Forum Topics

    • PVTEST
    • Hey, look here
    • This is an exceptionally long title to test how various points look on a phone and smaller devices
    The Ultimate Minnesota Twins Gift Ideas Shopping Guide

    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    Featured Comments

    Doctor Gast

    Doctor Gast 4,328

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    Thanks again Seth for your updates. Yes Lewis & Martin makes a great team hate to break them up. I was curious of the 3 non roster OFers, are there any true CFers in the bunch? Haven't heard anything about them. And we really need a MLB ready CFer to back up Buxton. How well is Celestino coming along to fill that spot?

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Richie the Rally Goat

    Richie the Rally Goat 9,100

  • Community Moderator

    • Posted

    During the lockout, assuming little to no ST (and actually getting an abbreviated ST) a couple weeks ago it wouldn’t have surprised me to see Lewis get a couple week tune up in Cedar Rapids.

    Lewis seems, to be locked in, and in no need for the “ST extension” and should slot in well at Wichita or St Paul. Looking forward to a strong season from him! 
     

    of course depending on how his season goes, could he get a call up this year?

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    stringer bell

    stringer bell 12,723

  • Community Leader

    • Posted

    3 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

    Thanks again Seth for your updates. Yes Lewis & Martin makes a great team hate to break them up. I was curious of the 3 non roster OFers, are there any true CFers in the bunch? Haven't heard anything about them. And we really need a MLB ready CFer to back up Buxton. How well is Celestino coming along to fill that spot?

    I think Celestino would be fine if Buxton has a disabling injury. The more time before this happens, the better. Unless the Twins make a trade of prospects for player, they are going to have 40-man issues I think. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    mikelink45

    mikelink45 10,958

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    Going to the Minnesota Twins transactions - Some things are taking shape.  The Saints now have a potential rotation of Strotman, Sands, Henriquez, Balazovic - looks really good. Witchita will have Vallimont and Enlow.  Can you provide me with your thoughts about these rotations and who else will be in the mix at each location?  

    I was surprised by the release of Ralph Garza, JR.  He was quickly snatched by the Red Sox.  How is the RP looking?  With such a short ST it is really hard to see who is catching fire. 

    I look forward to your roster projections. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Squirrel

    Squirrel 37,605

  • Community Leader

    • Posted

    39 minutes ago, The Mad King said:

    Thankfully I'm not the only one who finds it funny when Martin and Lewis are mentioned together...

    I actually had to think about that ... and I'm definitely not young

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Squirrel

    Squirrel 37,605

  • Community Leader

    • Posted

    21 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

    Thanks again Seth for your updates. Yes Lewis & Martin makes a great team hate to break them up. I was curious of the 3 non roster OFers, are there any true CFers in the bunch? Haven't heard anything about them. And we really need a MLB ready CFer to back up Buxton. How well is Celestino coming along to fill that spot?

    If I had to guess, I'd say that Celestino will start the year in AAA - and if Buxton goes on the IL (yes, I specifically chose the word 'if' instead of 'when'; hope springs eternal), Celestino will be called up. Celestino could be the call up for anyone in the OF, really. To give Buxton a day off here and there, I think Gordon will be the fill in. Again, just my guess based on everything that's been said in these forums and articles. While Celestino didn't have a stellar time up in the majors last year, he was really up prematurely, imo, having no time in AAA. Toward the last half of the season in AAA, he seemed to really be picking up steam.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    mikelink45

    mikelink45 10,958

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    1 hour ago, ashbury said:

    Just to be clear, the Twins didn't release him.  The roster moves they made (waivers and designation for assignment) meant they hoped to keep him, just not on their 40-man roster.

    The Red Sox didn't go along with that plan. :)

    The Red Sox were smart.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    jorgenswest

    jorgenswest 5,941

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    1 hour ago, Danchat said:

    It seems like Martin will start at AA, which I think is fine. Give him time and let’s see if he can dominate and earn a promotion to AAA.

    He did lead all AA batters in OBP last year at .414.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Nashvilletwin

    Nashvilletwin 2,097

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    44 minutes ago, h2oface said:

    Time to get ready for the season. These guys are not part of the start of the season. 

    Sano (DH) and Sanchez (C) were placed at 4 and 5 in the order today against the Braves. First 3 ABs each ....... 0-6, 5 strikeouts. It appears they need the work.

    Get used to those box scores……

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Danchat

    Danchat 11,131

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    21 minutes ago, jorgenswest said:

    He did lead all AA batters in OBP last year at .414.

    Right, but I'd like to see him work on developing some power and figure out where he's going to play defensively. I guess it doesn't matter where he does that, but I wouldn't rush to call him up.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Game7-91

    Game7-91 1,030

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    7 hours ago, Squirrel said:
    7 hours ago, Doctor Gast said:

    If I had to guess, I'd say that Celestino will start the year in AAA - and if Buxton goes on the IL (yes, I specifically chose the word 'if' instead of 'when'; hope springs eternal), Celestino will be called up. Celestino could be the call up for anyone in the OF, really. To give Buxton a day off here and there, I think Gordon will be the fill in. Again, just my guess based on everything that's been said in these forums and articles. While Celestino didn't have a stellar time up in the majors last year, he was really up prematurely, imo, having no time in AAA. Toward the last half of the season in AAA, he seemed to really be picking up steam.

    Agreed. The CF backup is a question mark, but I would like to see Gordon have a chance when needed. Looking forward to Celestino's progress, if he can increase onbase he could help thus summer as 4th OF and backup to Buck. If not give Gordon a chance. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    se7799

    se7799 464

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    5 hours ago, Danchat said:

    It seems like Martin will start at AA, which I think is fine. Give him time and let’s see if he can dominate and earn a promotion to AAA.

    Martin is way to advanced as a batter to start at AA.  I disagree starring him there would not be ideal for him as a prospect.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    High heat

    High heat 655

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    4 hours ago, se7799 said:

    Martin is way to advanced as a batter to start at AA.  I disagree starring him there would not be ideal for him as a prospect.

    Seems as if they are still set on giving Martin innings at SS.  If you have Polacios and Lewis at ST Paul there isnt going to many inning at SS.  

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Shaitan

    Shaitan 2,017

  • Verified Member

    • Posted (edited)

    23 hours ago, Squirrel said:

    If I had to guess, I'd say that Celestino will start the year in AAA - and if Buxton goes on the IL (yes, I specifically chose the word 'if' instead of 'when'; hope springs eternal), Celestino will be called up. Celestino could be the call up for anyone in the OF, really. To give Buxton a day off here and there, I think Gordon will be the fill in. Again, just my guess based on everything that's been said in these forums and articles. While Celestino didn't have a stellar time up in the majors last year, he was really up prematurely, imo, having no time in AAA. Toward the last half of the season in AAA, he seemed to really be picking up steam.

    Miranda is out of options, right?

     

    Are they really going to carry 3 backup IFs in Miranda, Gordon and Arraez? 

    I suppose both Arraez and Gordon play OF, so maybe... but I wonder if there's a roster crunch between Miranda and Gordon then. Come 26-roster limits, anyway.

    Then again, knowing modern baseball, the team will use the #27 and #28 roster slots for a 20th bullpen arm and 15th catcher.

    Edited by Shaitan
    typo
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    ashbury

    ashbury 48,546

  • Old-Timey Member

    • Posted

    1 hour ago, Shaitan said:

    Miranda is out of options, right?

    No.  He was only just added to the 40-man.  He should have all 3 minor league options remaining.

    You might be thinking of the decision last fall to add him to the 40-man, which was necessary to avoid the risk of losing him in the Rule-5 draft (that never took place due to the lockout).

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Mike Sixel

    Mike Sixel 41,021

  • Old-Timey Member

    • Posted

    On 3/26/2022 at 11:32 AM, Danchat said:

    It seems like Martin will start at AA, which I think is fine. Give him time and let’s see if he can dominate and earn a promotion to AAA.

    What would he have to prove in AA? He was pretty much great last year. As a college player, who has already played at and dominated AA, I see no reason not to be the starting SS or LF in AAA right now. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites


    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

    Loading...
    ×

×
×
  • Create New...