Matt Wallner came out of Wednesday’s game with the Yankees complaining of a sore back, Baldelli said. Turns out, it was more serious than that.
“It’s an oblique strain, and he’s going on the [injured list],” the manager said. “It was something we were hoping might be a day or two. But he’s going to miss some time. I think ultimately it very likely closes the book” on the season for the 27-year-old Forest Lake native.
Wallner ends his season with career highs in homers (22), walks (46) and strikeouts (114), not to mention triples (three) and stolen bases (four). He also finishes with a .202 batting average, a career worst, and a .776 OPS. There’s also a lingering sense of disappointment that he didn’t become a reliable run-producer, hitting .177 with runners in scoring position, and only once hitting a home run with more than one runner on base. He has only 40 RBI on the season.
The Twins recalled outfielder DaShawn Keirsey Jr. from Class AAA St. Paul.
Etc.
• Two Twins scouts departed the organization Friday. Freddie Thon, an East Coast crosschecker who also scouted Puerto Rico, left the organization to pursue opportunities with other teams. Walt Burrows, who oversaw players in the Pacific Northwest, Canada and Alaska, announced he is retiring after 10 years in the organization and more than 30 years total. Thon was the signing scout for Jose Miranda.
• Jonah Bride homered and drove in four runs, lefthander Connor Prielipp pitched six innings for his first Class AAA victory and the Saints beat host Memphis 7-3.