Twins' projected 25-man roster needs tweaks

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The Twins' roster situation saw an unwelcome shakeup on Tuesday when further examination of the laceration on Miguel Sanó's lower right Achilles area led to more aggressive treatment that will keep the third baseman out of action until May. Fortunately for first-year manager Rocco Baldelli, the news came a week after Minnesota announced the signing of versatile veteran and ultimate safety net Marwin Gonzalez.

That means the current projection for the Twins' Opening Day roster is slightly different than it was when we made our initial predictions for the 25-man squad prior to the start of Spring Training. It's time to revisit Minnesota's positional groups.

Catcher (2): Jason Castro, Mitch Garver

What changed? Nothing. The Twins are still monitoring Castro's condition as he works to return to the playing field following surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee last May, but he feels good catching and hitting and has been working in games to develop experience with the starting pitchers. Garver has been working closely on his receiving and framing with Minor League catching coordinator Tanner Swanson after struggling defensively last season.

First base (1): C.J. Cron

What changed? González should now be the primary backup to Cron, who said that getting more consistent plate appearances last season with the Rays helped him to his first 30-homer season. He'll get the opportunity to replicate that power show with the lion's share of starts at first base for the Twins.

Second base (1): Jonathan Schoop

What changed? Nothing. Schoop said he has a slight change in his swing mechanics that was introduced when he returned from an oblique strain last season, which he hopes will push him closer to his 32-homer performance from his All-Star 2017 season. Ehire Adrianza and González should serve as his primary backups.

Third base (1): Marwin González

What changed? Though González was originally slated to play in a multipositional everyday role, another benefit to his versatility is that he can fill in as an everyday starter at almost any position when needed. With Sano sidelined for at least the first month of the regular season, González could see most of his starts come at the hot corner, though Willians Astudillo has also gotten plenty of exposure at third in Spring Training.

Shortstop (1): Jorge Polanco

What changed? Nothing. Polanco was one of the two core players to sign five-year extensions after Spring Training got underway after posting some of the best numbers of his career during his suspension-shortened 2018 season. Adrianza and González should add depth here.

Outfield (4): Eddie Rosario, Byron Buxton, Max Kepler, Jake Cave

What changed? Rosario, Buxton and Kepler are secure in their starting roles and have roared to strong starts at the plate during Spring Training, with Buxton leading the way with three homers and Rosario and Kepler knocking two long balls apiece through Wednesday. Cave stands to benefit from González earning starts at third base, as that could lead to more opportunities in a fourth outfield role.

Utility (2): Willians Astudillo, Ehire Adrianza

What changed? Astudillo has put up solid numbers and impressed the Twins early in camp, and his ability to serve as the third catcher, play in the infield and even left field will offer valuable versatility off the bench. Adrianza is out of options and should serve as the primary backup at the middle-infield positions as González plays more third base.

Designated hitter (1): Nelson Cruz - retired

What changed? Nothing. Cruz had only played in one game this spring through Wednesday, but as a veteran with great knowledge of his body and fitness, he's preparing for Opening Day at his own pace.

Starting pitcher (4): Jose Berrios, Kyle Gibson, Jake Odorizzi, Michael Pineda

What changed? Thanks to a generous distribution of off-days early in the Twins' regular-season schedule, Minnesota could use a four-man rotation and a deeper bench through the first two-plus weeks of the season. All four of the above starters are secure in their roles, and they would likely be joined by Martín Pérez once a fifth starter is needed. Adalberto Mejía is also being stretched out and could be the next man up in case of injuries.

Bullpen (8): Trevor May, Taylor Rogers, Blake Parker, Addison Reed, Trevor Hildenberger, Matt Magill, Martín Pérez, Adalberto Mejía

What changed? Peréz, whose fastball touched 97 mph several times in his last spring outing, could begin the season in the bullpen if the Twins break camp with a four-man rotation. Though top prospect Fernando Romero is expected to play a significant role on the Twins' pitching staff this season, he could be stashed in Triple-A for the first two-plus weeks until the Twins expand to a 13-man pitching staff. That would allow the Twins to save a bullpen spot for Magill, who is out of options but presents a unique look with his hard curveball.

Here's a complete look at the Twins' updated Opening Day roster projection at the halfway point in Spring Training:

CATCHERS
Jason Castro
Mitch Garver

INFIELDERS
C.J. Cron
Jonathan Schoop
Marwin Gonzalez
Jorge Polanco
Willians Astudillo
Ehire Adrianza

OUTFIELDERS
Eddie Rosario
Byron Buxton
Max Kepler
Jake Cave

DESIGNATED HITTER
Nelson Cruz

STARTING PITCHERS
Jose Berrios
Kyle Gibson
Jake Odorizzi
Michael Pineda

RELIEF PITCHERS
Trevor May
Taylor Rogers
Blake Parker
Addison Reed
Trevor Hildenberger
Matt Magill
Martin Perez
Adalberto Mejia

INJURED LIST
Miguel Sanó