KANSAS CITY, MO. – Danny Santana on Friday started for a second game in a row as Twins manager Paul Molitor looked for ways to energize an offense that has strated the season averaging 2.25 runs per game.
With Eddie Rosario sent to the bench, Santana, the right fielder on Thursday, started in left. Miguel Sano, who was the designated hitter Thursday, returned to right.
Santana on Thursday reached base with a bunt single in the first inning and ground single to right field in the third inning. He tried to steal second after both hits, succeeding on the second try.
The Twins offense could use players who can get on base, and Santana looks like he can do that, although he went 0-for-5 with two strikeouts in Friday's 4-3 loss to Kansas City.
"I kind of liked the spark that Danny gave us [Thursday at Baltimore] in the first couple of at-bats," Molitor said. "Trying to find places to get him an opportunity to play and contribute. His versatility enables me to not have to isolate anyone as far as removing them from the lineup."
The Twins started spring training looking at Santana, who is out of options, as a utility candidate. He ended up having a strong spring, batting .391 with one home run and 13 RBI. He spoke of how not having to worry about playing shortstop all the time was a relief, and he looms as a key player off the bench this season.
Rosario off
Rosario, as Twins fans know, is not afraid to swing at pitches off the plate. But there are times when even that approach can be extreme. Molitor felt he saw that in Rosario who has started this season batting 2-for-13 after he struck out to end Friday's game.
"Like a lot of our guys, we know he's an aggressive hitter," Molitor said, "but he has been a little over the top. It's kind of hard to corral him because we know he can hit bad balls sometimes as well as good pitches too. He's been forcing it a little bit more than normal to try to find a way to get going and help our club."
That made it easy for Molitor to slide Santana in for Rosario on Friday. The manager said he plans to have Rosario back in left field on Saturday. Oswaldo Arcia is the only position player on the roster to not appear in a game.
Twins General Manager Terry Ryan found it hard to focus only on Rosario's struggles.
"There's a few guys that we should be talking about," he said. "It's not just one guy here. We're not doing too well with that offensive side."
Etc.
• Class AA Chattanooga righthander Nick Burdi is making progress with his throwing program as he recovers from forearm tightness. The hard-throwing Burdi experienced the tightness late in the spring, which has delayed his start to the season. "I don't think he's going to be out too long," Ryan said. "That's about all I know about that."
• Former Twins lefthander Brian Duensing made a late push during spring training to win a spot in the Royals bullpen but was released. He has since re-signed with the club and is now pitching for Class AAA Omaha, where he grew up.
• The Twins were charged with an error Friday, the first time this season. Second baseman Brian Dozier mishandled Mike Moustakas' ground ball in the first inning before picking the ball up and pulling Joe Mauer off the first base bag with his throw.
