Highly rated Twins prospect Miguel Sano will not play Winter Ball in the Dominican Republic, like the team had originally hoped as he continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery to his throwing elbow.
Sano, 21, the power-hitting prospect at third base, underwent the surgery in March. According to the Pioneer Press, he remains on track for the start of spring training.
Terry Ryan confirmed Miguel Sano will not play winter ball in DR. No setbacks post-TJ, but "doctors do not want him to play."
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) October 25, 2014
“The doctors do not want him to play,” Twins general manager Terry Ryan said to the newspaper. “We were always hoping he might be able to play, but it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen. The doctors don’t want him to risk the possibility of a collision.”
While he’s remains on track to be ready for spring training, Ryan has said the Twins don’t expect Sano to make the team in March.
Sano was ranked the fourth-best prospect in baseball by MLB.com and the sixth-best by Baseball America. He has hit 90 home runs in just 1,375 career minor league at-bats.
“He’s doing well,” Ryan said after returning from a trip to Fort Myers, Florida. “He’s in pretty good shape. His physique is fine. I’m not checking the scale or anything, but you can visually see it. We’re pleased with that. He’s made a good effort.”
Sano was cleared to begin throwing and swinging a bat in August.
While Sano won’t participate in winter ball, Twins outfielder/first baseman Chris Parmelee is expected to play for Licey in the Dominican Republic.
