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.

April 14, 2016 at 4:24PM
David Murphy
David Murphy (Associated Press - Ap/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

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.

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

about the writer

about the writer

La Velle E. Neal III

Columnist

La Velle E. Neal III is a sports columnist for the Minnesota Star Tribune who previously covered the Twins for more than 20 years.

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