Utility man and superhero turtle Willians Astudillo was placed on the 10-day injured list by the Minnesota Twins on Thursday.
Astudillo, battling a left oblique strain, is the latest Twin to hit the shelf with an injury.
Byron Buxton, who is eligible to return from the IL, has missed 11 consecutive games since being hit by a pitch on the wrist June 14. Max Kepler took a pitch off his elbow Tuesday night but is back in the starting lineup Thursday after missing Wednesday’s game.
Meanwhile, Eddie Rosario’s status isn’t very clear after he exited Wednesday’s win over the Rays with a sprained ankle and Marwin Gonzalez remains on the IL.
All of these injuries come on the heels of Nelson Cruz returning from a significant stint on the IL, along with Jonathan Schoop missing a handful of games.
With Rosario and Astudillo banged up, the Twins have brought outfielder LaMonte Wade up from Triple-A Rochester. Wade was hitting .248/.393/.366 with five homers 11 doubles in 70 games at Rochester.
Twins’ starting lineup for Thursday’s 12:10 p.m. game against the Rays:
- Max Kepler, CF
- Jorge Polanco, SS
- Nelson Cruz, DH
- Mitch Garver, C
- Luis Arraez, LF
- C.J. Cron, 1B
- Jonathan Schoop, 2B
- Jake Cave, RF
- Miguel Sano, 3B
