SEATTLE -- It took five pitches for Matt Wallner to remind the Twins of what they had been missing. In his first at-bat since returning from the injured list on Saturday night in Seattle, Wallner hammered a two-run homer into right field in the second inning. The slugger obliterated a fastball over the plate from Bryce Miller to give Minnesota an early lead against the Mariners.
It was an eventful game for Wallner as a whole, as he was involved in all facets. He drew a hit-by-pitch, struck out, made four putouts and made two outs on the bases. The Twins lost, 5-4, in 11 innings, but having Wallner back was nonetheless very good news.
As a result of Wallner’s activation, the Twins can finally field the lineup they expected to have when they reported to Spring Training in February. At least one projected regular had been out at all times since mid-March. For Wallner, it was a left hamstring strain that he suffered 6 1/2 weeks ago.
Wallner is the third key returnee in the last week-plus for Minnesota, joining Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton, both of whom had been on the 7-day concussion injured list. The only Twins hitter currently on the IL is rookie Luke Keaschall, who suffered a broken bone in his forearm in late April.
The Twins optioned outfielder DaShawn Keirsey Jr. to Triple-A St. Paul to make room for Wallner, who was immediately slotted into the lineup in right field and the No. 5 spot in the batting order.
“He healed up well and responded to everything put in front of him,” said manager Rocco Baldelli. “His body responded really well, so that was positive. He’s been swinging the bat good, so obviously his timing is at least in a decent spot to start. It feels great literally writing his name in there, scribbling it in there.”
Wallner had been the Twins’ most productive hitter before he got hurt, and he provides a unique dimension with his combination of on-base ability and power from the left side. He played superbly on his Minor League rehab assignment, hitting five home runs in six games.
“[I was] just trying to feel good on all pitches and kind of cover fastball and offspeed,” Wallner said. “But for the most part, I feel really good. I’m just happy with where I’m at.”
Adding Wallner back to the lineup provides Baldelli with both opportunity and challenge. The Twins have four regular outfielders for three spots, four more or less everyday infielders, and utilityman Willi Castro available to fill in wherever needed. That doesn’t even consider Kody Clemens, whose offensive production has forced him into the conversation for regular playing time.
It’s a good problem to have, since it means that every day, some everyday-caliber players will start on the bench. But it’s nonetheless a challenge as well.
As for Keirsey, the club was delighted with his contributions and his effort in a defined role. He didn’t hit a lot, but he provided the speed and defense he was asked to give, and he also had some big moments at the plate. But he has Minor League options, meaning the club could send him to Triple-A without risking losing him via waivers.