Twins take to Gomez
Growing pains were going to be part of the package this year with Carlos Gomez.
Two-strike drag bunts that dribble into foul territory for outs. Overeager swings at pitches out of the strike zone. Throws that sail over the cutoff man’s head.
Three weeks into his first season as Minnesota’s leadoff man and everyday center fielder, though, Gomez has given the Twins enough energy and enthusiasm to live with his mistakes. The good has outweighed the bad, and with just 207 major league at-bats the Twins believe he is going to get much better.
“He’s ahead on the exciting part,” manager Ron Gardenhire said.
Sunday was a perfect example. Gomez went 0 for 5 to drop his average to .244, but he saved the game in the ninth inning against Cleveland, stretching full out to make a diving grab of a slicing blooper in shallow right-center.
Teammates, unprompted, claimed the catch reminded them of Torii Hunter.
“You look out there and you’re like, ‘Man, that ball’s going to fall,’ ” first baseman Justin Morneau said. “All of a sudden, he just came out of nowhere and he hung onto it. It was huge.”
This is exactly what Minnesota needed from the only one of four prospects acquired from the Mets in the Johan Santana trade who made the roster for opening day, especially considering the hole left in center and the heart of the order by the departure of Hunter and his seven Gold Glove awards.
The 22-year-old Gomez, who appeared in 58 games last year for New York, doesn’t have Hunter’s power, but he has brought an elite level of a unique skill to the top of the Twins lineup.
Speed, and plenty of it.
With nine stolen bases in 10 attempts to lead the American League, the 6-foot-4, 195-pound Gomez has the kind of running ability to distract a pitcher into throwing over to first five straight times to keep his lead from getting too big.
Reds add Hairston
Trying to add another bat, the Cincinnati Reds promoted infielder-outfielder Jerry Hairston Jr. and designated infielder Juan Castro for assignment.
In 14 games for Triple-A Louisville, Hairston batted .421 with three home runs and 15 RBIs.
“He’s been playing great,” said Reds manager Dusty Baker, Hairston’s manager with the Chicago Cubs in 2005 and 2006. “As much as I like Juan, we felt Hairston might be a better fit. He can play anywhere. It gives me a number of options now.”
The Reds also activated right-hander Matt Belisle from the disabled list.
A-Rod has mild strain
Alex Rodriguez has a mild strain of his right quadriceps and will rejoin the New York Yankees today in Chicago.
A-Rod was injured Sunday in New York’s 7-1 win at Baltimore. He returned to New York to be examined rather than accompany the team to Chicago, where the Yankees start a series against the White Sox tonight.
Rodriguez was to see a physical therapist, Yankees spokesman Jason Zillo said.
Rodriguez will be evaluated again today, according to Zillo, who was unsure whether A-Rod would be available to play in the series opener.