CHICAGO – Joe Ryan’s first chance to beat as Major Leaguer could be his last. And the Twins rookie is very aware of that.
« I definitely (thought about it) so I guess just appreciating the experience is the whole goal, » said Ryan.
It’s not unthinkable that Ryan, who is scheduled to start for the Twins on Wednesday, could be the last Twins pitcher to ever be hit. The Universal Designated Hitter, who was adopted during the season shortened by COVID-19 last year, has been debated for years. The National League pitchers have returned to batting this year, but with the collective agreement ending after this season, it is very likely that batting pitchers will be a thing of the past after this year.
Count Twins coach Rocco Baldelli, who has only played and trained in the American League, is one of those who advocate it.
« Bring the DH, » Baldelli said. “I’m perfectly fine with this step. … I know there are a lot of fans, a lot of baseball people, who are going to miss the National League game very much. It’s the way many grew up watching, enjoying, and loving baseball. But where we are today, I personally believe that the right step is to simply bring in the DH completely. »
Ryan, a native of California, is one of those people. He grew up with the San Francisco Giants and watched the National League game. While pitcher hitting « has always been part of it » for him, he also understands why that element of the game is likely to go away.
He hasn’t hit much since high school, although he remembers very well the blow he received while in college at Cal State Northridge. In preparation for the start on Wednesday, he said he had done a couple of cage swings lately.
« I think the novelty of getting a chance to score is exciting, » said Ryan. « At the same time respecting the game and other players in the game, if there are other players opportunities that would not get them, it is also an amazing experience for someone to extend their career. »
His new manager has enjoyed watching Cruz closely for two and a half years – and he’s also ready to stop worrying about one of his pitchers getting injured while hitting.
« I will hopefully enjoy these final games this way, but we kind of see it coming, » said Baldelli. « When it comes down to it, I don’t think either of us really knows, but I think it’s coming, and I’ll be more than okay to go to bed at night when the DH is everywhere. »
The twins welcomed returner Mitch Garver on Tuesday and activated him from the injured list after a three-game rehab stay with the Triple-A Saints. Garver has been on the list of those injured with lower back tightness since Aug. 27. To make room in the squad, the twins have chosen Ben Rortvedt to triple-A.
They also welcomed shortstop Andrelton Simmons and put him back on the restricted list. Simmons met the team in Chicago after staying in the United States when the club moved to Toronto. Simmons, who is in the process of applying for his permanent residence card, had to stay in the country so as not to restart the process.
Infielder Drew Maggi’s first appearance as a major league player came and went without the 32-year-old seeing any game action. Maggi, who was called up on Saturday after 11 years in the Minor Leagues, was voted the Triple A option on the Tuesday before the Twins series with the Cubs to make way for Simmons.
To make room on the 40-man list for Simmons’ reinstatement, the twins added Lewis Thorpe (left shoulder impingement) to the 60-day injured list.
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