The Twins aren't waiting for some players to hit their way out of their bad starts. The club has agreed to terms with veteran outfielder David Murphy on a minor league deal and will send him to Class AAA Rochester.
Twins to sign veteran outfielder David Murphy, plan to shake up roster
The next couple of weeks could be an elimination round for a young starting outfield that was supposed to help take the Twins to the next level.
But, according to a club source, Murphy is not expected to stay in Rochester long before being called up to join the major league team.
When he does arrive, the club is not afraid to demote Eddie Rosario, Byron Buxton or Miguel Sano to make room for him. So, essentially, the next couple weeks could be an elimination round for a young starting outfield that was supposed to help take the Twins to the next level.
Murphy, 34, spent last year with Cleveland and the Angels, batting .283 with 10 home runs and 50 RBI in 132 games. He spent spring training with Boston, batting .265 in 15 games before being released on March 28.
The Murphy news comes on a day in which Twins manager Paul Molitor juggled his lineup in hopes of breaking a season- opening eight-game losing streak.
White Sox
Adam Eaton, CF
Melky Cabrera, LF
Jose Abreu, 1B
Todd Frazier, 3B
Brett Lawrie, 2B
Dioner Navarro, C
Avisail Garcia, DH
J.B. Shuck, CF
Tyler Saladino, SS
Mat Latos, RHP
Twins
Brian Dozier, 2B
Eddie Rosario, LF
Joe Mauer, DH
Trevor Plouffe, 3B
Miguel Sano, RF
Eduardo Escobar, SS
Byung Ho Park, 1B
John Ryan Murphy, C
Byron Buxton, CF
Ervin Santana, RHP
A former second-round pick of the Rangers, Alex Speas has pitched in four major league games.