The All-Star Break is in the rearview mirror, and the Minnesota Twins are getting healthy for the stretch run. Royce Lewis returned to the lineup on Friday night after missing just over three weeks. One day later, he’s getting a fellow infield teammate back.
Jose Miranda returns for Minnesota Twins
A season ago, Jose Miranda being an option would not have been news for the Minnesota Twins. Fast forward to this year and he has been among their best hitters. Miranda landed on the injured list with a low back strain on July 11th. He is back just 16 days later. Infielder Edouard Julien was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul in a corresponding move.
Related: Royce Lewis Returns to Action for Minnesota Twins
Through 76 games this year Miranda has posted a career-best 148 OPS+. Miranda is slashing a ridiculous .325/.366/.522. With nine home runs on the season, double-digits are in sight. Even beyond the record-breaking 12 consecutive hits Miranda put up, there has been nothing he can’t do this season. Miranda spent all of last year dealing with a shoulder issue that ultimately required season-ending surgery. Fully healthy in 2024, the Twins former second round pick has been a key contributor on both edges of the diamond.
What can Minnesota Twins do with Edouard Julien?
It’s truly disappointing how much Edouard Julien has fallen in 2024. From Opening Day shortstop to Triple-A castoff, things have not gone right. Julien has made substantial strides on defense dating back to last year , but he has lost himself at the plate. Toting just an 88 OPS+ in 63 games, his average sits at a paltry .204 with an uncharacteristic .311 OBP. His early-season home run pace fell off, and things fell apart.
In the weeks before his promotion, Julien owned an .875 OPS across 22 Triple-A games. He had a near even strikeout-to-walk rate, and had got on base at an excellent .457 clip. Little of that translated during his five-game stretch with Minnesota. Julien went just 2-for-12 with no extra-base hits. He may be selling out too much for pull-side power. His approach has turned to patience over opportunity as well.
Related: Looks Like Edouard Julien is Odd Man Out for Twins with Royce Lewis Returning
Brooks Lee, Royce Lewis, and Jose Miranda all currently take up infield spots. Carlos Correa will soon return as well. Julien could continue to be the odd man out. If he wants to force his way back in, playing some first base and showing offensive consistency is a must.
More must-reads:
The post Minnesota Twins Get Another Star Infielder Back appeared first on MinnesotaSportsFan .
Local Minneapolis, MN
Most Popular
Comments / 0