First pitch: From prospects to comebacks, 3 things I heard around MLB last week
By Kevin Henry
MLB clubhouse chatter: Minnesota Twins
In the clubhouse opposite the Royals, things are going well for the Twins, and one of the players who has played well in recent games for the Twins is outfielder Trevor Larnach. The former first-round draft pick in 2018 is coming into his own in Minnesota and is entering 2023 healthy after playing in just 51 games last season after suffering a core muscle strain and missing the rest of the year following his play on June 23.
After navigating his way through a crowded roster in spring training to once again earn a role with the team, Minnesota manager Rocco Baldelli has seen Larnach find a place as the Twins’ primary left fielder. He’s also seen that happen through better communication with his 26-year-old outfielder, as well as a change in his swing that comes with another year at the MLB level. Patience has been a plus for Larnach this season, as he entered Sunday averaging 4.28 pitches per plate appearance, the fifth-best number in the American League.
“The biggest difference is that he’s actually healthy, which we didn’t know at the time because he didn’t tell us,” Baldelli said of last season’s core issues for Larnach. “He’s a determined young man and he wanted to stay in the lineup and didn’t want to give up any of his opportunities. I can’t blame a guy for that, but I can ask him to be more straightforward. And I think as he’s getting older and spending more time in the big leagues and getting more experience, he’s learning that he’s only going to be able to help us if he’s strong and ready.”
Also while in Minnesota, I heard an update on the health and a potential new position for Royce Lewis.