The Minnesota Twins are giving Luke Keaschall another new look in the outfield, and this time the move is to center field.
After 11 games in right, Keaschall is shifting over with Byron Buxton on the injured list because of a right hip strain and with five games left before the break. It’s a chance for the Twins to keep testing Keaschall’s versatility while also getting a read on how he handles a more demanding spot on the grass.
Keaschall isn’t starting from zero there. During his first full season in pro ball in 2024, he played 16 games in center between Cedar Rapids and Wichita.
He also went error-free in 141 innings at the position that year. This season, he has been just as clean in right, logging 81 innings without an error.
“He’s done a nice job since he’s moved to the outfield, in right field,” said Twins manager Derek Shelton. “We’ll let the athleticism play a little bit in center.
I think it’s a good opportunity to get a look at him out there. [Alan] Roden has played there in the minor leagues, but just thought right now is a good opportunity to continue to build Keasch’s versatility.”
The Twins had already been talking about a return to center once Keaschall’s arm healed from Tommy John surgery. Now they’ve got the opening to do it.
For outfield instructor Grady Sizemore, the appeal is obvious. He believes center may actually be the easier transition.
“I think the goal was to get him comfortable as early as we could,” said Twins outfield instructor Grady Sizemore. “I thought he looked great, comfortable.
I actually think center will be an easier adjustment. I think with center, the ball is in front of you, you see everything, just more ground to cover.”
Keaschall’s speed is the trait that keeps coming up. He has 12 stolen bases in 15 attempts this year, and the Twins see that same burst translating in the outfield, where range can cover up a lot of ground.
“I think with his speed and the way he moves, it’s going to play to his strength,” said Sizemore. “So, excited for him and just waiting to see how it all goes.”
Shelton said the work Sizemore does with the outfield group has made this kind of move easier to manage. He pointed to Sizemore’s Gold Gloves and the way he communicates with players as a big reason the group has improved.
“There are a ton of benefits in that,” said Shelton. “You’ve seen our outfield group in general get better.
Some guys, we still have more room to go, but they are improving. I think a lot of that is a testament to the work they’re doing and the work that Grady is putting in with them.”
The Twins know the real evaluation starts once the game action begins. Machine work, fungos and batting practice can only tell them so much. Until Keaschall gets live reps in center, they won’t know exactly how much rust is left after two years away from the position.
Still, both Shelton and Sizemore sound comfortable with what they’ve seen so far in right field.
“We can simulate the fly balls with the machines or fungos, or batting practice all day, but until you get the game reps, it’s what you need to get your timing and your reads,” said Sizemore. “And he’s a good enough athlete where he can do that and do it well at a high level. So excited for him, I think he’ll do a great job out there.”
“He’s played balls off the ball well,” said Shelton. “He’s gotten to balls.
He’s had balls in the gap. He’s had balls toward the line.
He had a ball toward the line in Yankee Stadium, which is challenging. One in Houston, which was challenging.
“But overall, he’s done a nice job. I realize, and we’ve told him this, there are going to be times when something doesn’t look comfortable, or something may happen. But overall, I think he’s done a really nice job.”
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