Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Twins received some discouraging news Monday when they learned that starting centerfielder Aaron Hicks will be sidelined for at least two weeks with a left hamstring strain. Hicks, who has started 52 of the Twins’ 60 games in center field, suffered a left hamstring strain while trying to beat out an infield grounder during the second game of the Twins’ doubleheader on Sunday. As a result of the injury, the Twins decided to place Hicks on the 15-day disabled list. In Hicks’ absence, the Twins have called up slugging corner outfield Oswaldo Arcia. I have nothing against Arcia being in the majors and I think he belongs here, but the decision to promote him at a time like this leaves me scratching my head.
The promotion of Arcia and the injury to Hicks leaves the Twins with only one legitimate option currently on the roster in Clete Thomas who—as we all should know—tends to strike out a lot and doesn’t play the greatest defense out in centerfield. I have mentioned in a past article—which can be accessed here—about my displeasure with the Twins promoting Thomas in the first place over a player who could offer more and—in my opinion—was more deserving such as Antoan Richardson; but yet, my pleas continue to fall on deaf ears. Richardson has fallen into a slump as of late and his batting average has dipped to .286, but what Richardson does offer is exceptional speed, great defense and good place discipline. So with Hicks to be out for two weeks and the team in need of a more prototypical leadoff hitter and centerfielder, why wouldn’t they give a guy like Richardson a chance to play while Hicks is out?
Arcia has also played center field, though not regularly since 2011, but he is likely to see the majority of his time as a designated hitter or corner outfielder. Few would have thought that Hicks being injured would affect the Twins as much as it would, but Hicks has become a very valuable member of this team as the season has progressed. Arguably, Hicks has displayed some of the brightest moments over the past few weeks and is poised to continue his ascension back into the Rookie-of-the-Year conversation. Hicks is batting .179 on the season with six homeruns and 19 RBI and the rookie outfielder’s had been batting .267 with three home runs over his last 17 games.
While the Twins will certainly miss Hicks’ production over the next two weeks or so, the show must go on. Unfortunately for the Twins and their fans, they have mishandled the situation and we all must be subjected to the torture of watching Thomas play on a daily basis. Richardson deserved the chance to play at the majors instead of Thomas; but since Richardson did not get the call, the Twins must now live with the issues that come with an underperforming and limited centerfielder.
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
