Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Twins are dealing with a problem with their bench that they are hoping will get resolved soon. The team is still a man down as infielder Doug Bernier is trying to recover from a sore elbow. The hope is that he will return soon not only so Minnesota can be back at full strength but also manager Ron Gardenhire would like to continue seeing what the 33-year-old can do in the big leagues.
The lack of depth on the bench is certainly not ideal for a team in September considering this is the time to see the youngsters play. In Bernier’s case, 2013 is only his second year in the majors after a very short stint with the Colorado Rockies in 2008. Bernier is basically an example of a player who has spent his entire career in the minors without ever having enough to get over the hump. That means he cannot afford to stay hurt for too long because the Twins are willing to give him a legitimate shot to show what he can do.
The Santa Maria, Calif. native has already appeared in 24 games this season where he has spent most of his time at shortstop. However, Gardenhire has a different plan for whenever he returns to the field.
“I think if I put him out there, I’ll put him as second base,” Gardenhire said, according to MinnesotaTwins.com. “But I’m going to try to stay away from him and give him a couple days here. But I don’t have any extra players.”
Bernier is batting .245 with five RBI in 49 at-bats this season.
