Miguel Sano could return to Twins lineup this weekend

Just in time for the playoffs, the Minnesota Twins may be getting Miguel Sano back.

After posting a 59-103 record last year, the Minnesota Twins had nowhere to go but up in 2017. A  Wild Card spot would have been an aggressive expectation, but that’s just what the Twins have done with 83 wins entering the final weekend of the regular season.

The Twins sold at the trade deadline, but a 20-win month in August propelled them into September. The lineup has had a number of guys go on nice runs in the second half, but third baseman Miguel Sano has been out since Aug. 19 with a stress reaction in his left shin.

As recently as 10 days ago, it seemed sure Sano would not play again during the regular season. A (at that time) potential Wild Card game was a different question, but the door seemed open for Sano to at least be on the Twins’ roster for that do-or-die game.

During an appearance on 1500 ESPN Radio this week, Twins general manager Thad Levine suggested Sano could play this weekend against the Detroit Tigers.

"“We’ve been guardedly optimistic for quite some time now about him and over the last 48 hours we’ve gotten the most promising news we’ve had in quite some time on him and it’s encouraging. He’s been taking batting practice a little bit more aggressively over the last two days. He’s back home and called Paul [Molitor] this morning and he thinks he can help this team. Now Dr. Sano has green-lighted himself to play. We’re going to have to have our doctors review.”"

For what it’s worth, Sano has declared himself ready to go and just needs clearance from team doctors.

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In 111 games to this point this season, Sano is hitting .267/.356/.514 with 28 home runs and 77 RBI. Even if he doesn’t see action over the weekend, Sano should be a factor as a DH or bench bat for the Wild Card game next Tuesday night.