Brace Hemmelgarn- USA TODAY Sports
Talk about a roller coaster type of week for Minnesota Twins’ outfielder Oswaldo Arcia. Arcia made his big league debut on Monday night going 1-3 with a hit in his first career at-bat, but was unfortunately sent back down to Triple-A Rochester following the game. The reason behind Arcia’s demotion was not because of poor play, but instead because of Wilkin Ramirez coming off the paternity list which prompted Arcia’s promotion in the first place.
This time, Arcia is again being promoted to the majors to replace a player who will be missing some time. Unfortunately for Darin Mastroianni, this promotion for Arcia might be an extended stay. Mastroianni was placed on the disabled list because of a “stress reaction” in his left ankle that he suffered in Monday’s win over the Los Angeles Angels. Mastroianni is expected to miss three weeks and will wear a walking boot for 10 to 14 days.
This opportunity paves the way for Arcia to see extended playing time with the Twins, as Mastroianni surely will take some time to heal up from this nagging injury. It also signals the safety, in some respects, of Aaron Hicks in the Twins’ lineup at the majors. With Mastroianni on the disabled list, the Twins do not have another centerfield option on the current roster. Surely there are other options at the Triple-A level, but none of them are any better than Hicks at this point. Hicks has shown some signs of progress over the last few games, albeit very minimal signs, and is starting to look like a more confident player with every game. Surely the work that Twins’ hitting instructor Tom Brunansky has put in with Hicks will begin to pay off, if it hasn’t already.
Arcia will now get the occasional start at one of the corner outfield spots, while also seeing time as the team’s designated hitter. Arcia also provides something that the team has been lacking all season: a legitimate power threat off the bench for pinch hitting situations late in games. If a player were to struggle, Arcia’s role could expand even further. It will be important to see how Arcia can handle an extended look in the majors and whether or not he will be able to make adjustments to pitchers on a daily basis.
While it may only be a three week audition, Arcia has a chance to earn himself staying power with a strong showing. There will likely be some growing pains for Arcia, during his time in the majors over the coming month, but it is safe to say that few things can compare to the three-day roller coaster ride that the youngster has experienced this past week. The roller coaster has finally come to an end and it’s time for Arcia to prove that he belongs in the majors and not on a trip back to Rochester.
Brian Wille is a Minnesota Twins writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @BeeWill15 or “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
