5 Minnesota Twins Who Must Put Up or Shut Up During 2015 Playoff Race

5 Minnesota Twins Who Must Put Up or Shut Up During 2015 Playoff Race

By Chad Troyan

5 Minnesota Twins Who Must Put Up or Shut Up During 2015 Playoff Race

Minnesota Twins
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At 80-75, the Minnesota Twins have experienced a bounce-back year from their 70-92 campaign in 2014. As the season draws closer to the end, they find themselves on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoffs. In order to make the playoffs, they'll need these five players to put up or shut up.

5. Miguel Sano

Miguel Sano Minnesota Twins
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

5. Miguel Sano

Miguel Sano Minnesota Twins
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

The 22-year-old rookie has been a key contributor to the Twins' offense despite only playing 73 games. In his 73 games, he's hitting .276 with 17 HRs and 50 RBIs. The Twins' offense will need Sano's bat to warm up (.253 average in September) in order for their offense to improve and capture some key victories down the final stretch of the season.

4. Joe Mauer

Joe Mauer Minnesota Twins
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4. Joe Mauer

Joe Mauer Minnesota Twins
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Mauer has been with the Twins for the entirety of his 11-year career. This season he has seen his average dip to a low .264, the second lowest of his career. He is currently hitting .228 in September. Minnesota will need him to find his stroke again as they could use all they offense they can get in order to reach the postseason.

3. Torii Hunter

Torii Hunter Minnesota Twins
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3. Torii Hunter

Torii Hunter Minnesota Twins
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Hunter is widely seen as the veteran leader of the group. At 40, Hunter has spent the majority of his career with the Twins. As a leader, Hunter not only will have to encourage others in the dugout verbally, but produce out on the field as well. Despite his .242 average right now, he is batting .296 in September. Minnesota will need him to continue his recent tear in order to give their offense the boost it needs.

2. Trevor Plouffe

Trevor Plouffe Minnesota Twins
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2. Trevor Plouffe

Trevor Plouffe Minnesota Twins
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Plouffe's production has been a surprise to many as he hit .256 with 11 HRs and 46 RBIs before the All-Star Break. His output has taken a dive since, hitting .226 with 10 HRs and 36 RBIs. The Twins will need him to find his stroke again and raise his average in order for the offense to be more effective. On a team whose pitching staff isn't outstanding, they will need their offense to step up and Plouffe will be a key part of that.

1. Glen Perkins

Glen Perkins Minnesota Twins
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1. Glen Perkins

Glen Perkins Minnesota Twins
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The Twins' pitching hasn't been outstanding, but closer Glen Perkins has been the brightest spot. He's recorded 32 saves on the season. With numerous youngsters on the Twins' roster, their offense can be anemic at times and lead to close, low-scoring games. The Twins will need Perkins to execute in these late-season save situations in order for them to clinch a Wild Card spot and head to the postseason.

Chad Troyan is a Cincinnati Reds writer. He also covers the NFL and NCAAF for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChadTroyan15, “Like”him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

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