Miguel Sano’s long road back from leg surgery is underway after a successful operation in New York on Monday, the Twins announced Monday.
The All-Star third baseman’s surgery, which included the insertion of a titanium rod to support a stress reaction in his left shin, is expected to keep him out for up to two months. That means he should be ready for spring training.
The All-Star third baseman’s surgery included the insertion of a titanium rod to support a stress reaction in his left shin, according to the Twins.
According to Mike Berardino of the Pioneer Press, the Twins aren’t 100 percent confident that Sano will be able to play third base next season. If he’s only able to help the club as a designated hitter, the Twins plan to use Eduardo Escobar at third base, says Berardino.
Reminder that Miguel Sano's lower-leg surgery is set for Monday in New York City. #mntwins still hoping he can play third base in 2018 but have Eduardo Escobar as a valuable insurance policy in case Sano is mostly limited to DH duties.
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) November 13, 2017
Thanks to Escobar, the Twins didn’t miss a beat after Sano’s injury last season. From Aug. 19 to the end of the regular season, Escobard filled in for Sano and didn’t miss a beat, hitting .274 with 10 homers, 4 triples, 5 doubles, 26 runs and 31 RBI.
Sano was injured when he fouled a ball off his left shin in a game against the Diamondbacks on Aug. 19. He missed the ensuing 38 games before returning in the final regular season series against Detroit, but he was left off the roster for the wild-card game against the Yankees.
Sano hit .264 with 28 homers and 77 RBI in just 114 games. He also struck out 178 times.
