Injured Minnesota Twins Infielder "Has A Ways To Go", Pulls Out Of WBC

Set to try to establish himself as a full-timer in his first full big league season, Minnesota Twins sophomore third baseman Jose Miranda is taking no chances this spring with his burgeoning career. He's been forced by injury to pull out of representing his native Puerto Rico at the World Baseball Classic. 

3B Jose Miranda (sore shoulder) has withdrawn from the WBC.

— Phil Miller (@MillerStrib) March 1, 2023

A sore shoulder has given the Twins pause, as Miranda hasn't even begun throwing yet at spring training. 

Miranda's shoulder is stopping him from playing the field right now and "has a ways to go," Rocco says.

He'll still DH and get at-bats for the Twins (including tomorrow), but he hasn't started a throwing program yet. They want to keep him around the medical staff here. https://t.co/KtoSpgITYO

— Do-Hyoung Park (@dohyoungpark) March 1, 2023

Manager Rocco Baldelli says the sophomore 3B hasn't been able to play the field as yet, and he "has a ways to go." Baldelli says he can still get at-bats at DH in the meantime. 

“We’re still quite hopeful that he’s going to be ready to go Opening Day, but he’s not throwing right now,” Baldelli said. “We don’t have larger concerns or long-term concerns. We think he’s going to be OK, but he needs some time.” 

Miranda, 24, had a strong rookie season in 2022, hitting .268 with a .751 OPS, along with 15 homers and 66 RBIs in 125 games. Since the Twins moved to Minnesota in 1961, he had the eighth most doubles for a Twins rookie (25), the 10th most RBI (66), and was 11th-best in home runs (15). 

Photo: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports