The Twins called up centerfielder DaShawn Keirsey Jr., who will make his MLB debut when he appears in his first game. Keirsey, a 27-year-old lefthanded hitter from San Diego, was batting .292 with 14 homers, 20 doubles, 75 RBI, 69 runs and 36 stolen bases in 103 games at St. Paul.
Keirsey, who will wear No. 89, was a fourth-round pick in 2018 out of Utah.
“He’s turned himself into a good player and a good option,” Baldelli said. “That’s very exciting. He’s a very athletic mover. He can play in the middle of the field and affect the game defensively. He can do a lot of things for you on the bases. He’s going to be a guy that we can definitely find a way to use.”
Keirsey might be the best defensive center fielder on the roster with Buxton sidelined. He went unclaimed in the Rule 5 Draft last winter when the Twins didn’t add him to their 40-man roster, and he’s responded with his best offensive season.
“He’s done his part and stayed out there, stayed productive and made us make a decision,” Baldelli said. “Being in Triple-A, being a productive, good player is not always the easiest thing because you’re hoping and waiting for your opportunities to come and the players don’t have full control over when that is.”
Etc.
* The Twins transferred lefty reliever Kody Funderburk to the 60-day injured list to make room for Keirsey on the 40-man roster. It was a procedural move because Funderburk (oblique) has already started throwing off a mound.
