Though Rocco Baldelli's time as a player was cut short by physical ailments, his career in baseball was only beginning to take off.The mind and the heart can be powerful forces.Seeking a fresh voice for their underachieving young players, the Minnesota Twins made the 37-year-old Baldelli the youngest manager in the major leagues on Thursday by hiring a sought-after candidate who interviewed for vacancies with four other teams.The former Tampa Bay Rays player, assistant and coach will be a first-time manager, the first in the major leagues born in the 1980s. He replaces Paul Molitor, who was fired after four seasons with a 305-343 record ."I like to have fun. I like for the players to love showing up to that environment, to that clubhouse," Baldelli said, adding: "I feel like when guys are relaxed and having fun out on the field, they play their best."Baldelli spent the last four years on the staff of Rays manager Kevin Cash, the first three as first base coach. His role for 2018 was a newly... [More]

Seeking a fresh voice for their underachieving young players, the Minnesota Twins have made Rocco Baldelli the youngest manager in the major leagues.The Twins hired the 37-year-old Baldelli on Thursday, bringing the former Tampa Bay player, assistant and coach to Minnesota for his first job as a manager. He replaces Paul Molitor, who was fired after four seasons with a 305-343 record . Baldelli will be the first major league manager born in the 1980s.Baldelli spent the last four years on the staff of Rays manager Kevin Cash, the first three as first base coach. His role for 2018 was a newly created position called major league field coordinator, helping Cash and bench coach Charlie Montoyo with in-game strategy, working with the outfielders and focusing on the continued development of the team's young players.Those were the magic words in Baldelli's bio for Twins chief baseball officer Derek Falvey and general manager Thad Levine. They were effusive with their praise of Molitor for his... [More]

The Minnesota Twins hired Rays assistant coach Rocco Baldelli as their new manager Thursday, seeking a young voice to help revive a struggling team.The 37-year-old Baldelli replaces Paul Molitor, who was fired after four seasons with a 305-343 record . Baldelli will be the youngest manager in the major leagues, the first skipper ever born in the 1980s.Baldelli spent the last four years on the staff of Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash. For four seasons prior to that, he was a special assistant in the front office of the team that drafted him sixth overall in 2000 out of high school in Rhode Island. Baldelli debuted with the Rays at age 21 in 2003, finishing third in the American League Rookie of the Year award voting after batting .289 with 51 extra-base hits and 27 stolen bases.Injuries hounded him for most of his career, however, and a rare disorder that caused muscle fatigue ultimately forced him to retire after the 2010 season. The only year as a professional he spent apart from the Rays... [More]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Miguel Sano has begun a critical offseason in his so-far-frustrating career with the Minnesota Twins, who plan to keep close tabs on the slugging third baseman frequently waylaid by injuries."The plan is to have very consistent touch points," general manager Thad Levine said, "both by phone and quite frankly face to face."Sano left Minnesota last week for his native Dominican Republic, where he was involved in an incident with police outside a nightclub that left an officer with a broken leg. The incident was deemed an accident and no criminal charges were brought. Last winter, Sano was accused of assaulting a woman but Major League Baseball did not punish him after an investigation yielded insufficient evidence.For now, though, the focus is on Sano's physical condition. After losing the last six weeks of the 2017 season due to a lower left leg injury that required surgery, Sano missed time in May with a left hamstring injury. Then a hard slide in September resulted in... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today:TRY AGAINLuis Severino gets a wild-card do-over when he starts for the Yankees against Oakland in a winner-take-all matchup. Severino allowed three runs and got just one out in last year's wild-card game against Minnesota before New York rallied for an 8-4 victory. Severino was chosen over J.A. Happ and Masahiro Tanaka despite a second-half slump."I think he's equipped in so many ways to handle this, and perhaps most importantly, he's equipped with amazing stuff and the ability to dominate big league hitters because he's such a talented pitcher," manager Aaron Boone said.The A's will counter with a bullpen game, beginning with reliever Liam Hendriks — among the more unlikely postseason starters ever. Hendriks was waived off the 40-man roster in June, spent two months in the minors, then emerged in September as Oakland's go-to "opener" to cover for an injury-decimated rotation.Hendriks (0-1) will be just the fourth pitcher to start a playoff... [More]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Two years ago, the Minnesota Twins made Derek Falvey their chief baseball officer with the precondition that Paul Molitor remain as manager.Molitor presided over a playoff team and won the American League Manager of the Year award in 2017, but the Twins slipped backward this season. Last week, Falvey and general manager Thad Levine decided the time was right to hire their own manager.Citing pursuit of more productive development by their younger players, Falvey and Levine fired Molitor on Tuesday while offering him an opportunity to remain with the organization in an undefined position in baseball operations."This wasn't about our record this year. This is about what we think is best as we continue to grow a young team in the direction toward being a championship contender," Falvey said.Falvey and other club executives expressed confidence that Molitor would stay with the Twins beyond the 20 years he has already worked for them in various roles, including the final three... [More]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins fired Paul Molitor on Tuesday, one season after he won the American League Manager of the Year award, in pursuit of more productive development by their younger players."This wasn't about our record this year. This is about what we think is best as we continue to grow a young team in the direction toward being a championship contender," said chief baseball officer Derek Falvey.Molitor has been offered an undefined position in baseball operations with the organization. Falvey and other club executives expressed confidence that Molitor would accept it and remain with the Twins."I fully respect that decision," Molitor said in a statement distributed by the team. "I will forever be grateful for the opportunity they gave me to serve in the role as manager for these past four years. I'm going to consider their genuine offer to serve in a different capacity to positively impact the Twins from a different role."The Twins went 305-343 under the 62-year-old... [More]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins fired Paul Molitor on Tuesday, one season after he won the American League Manager of the Year award.Molitor has been offered another position within the organization."I fully respect that decision," Molitor said in a statement distributed by the Twins. "I will forever be grateful for the opportunity they gave me to serve in the role as manager for these past four years. I'm going to consider their genuine offer to serve in a different capacity to positively impact the Twins from a different role."The Twins went 305-343 under the 62-year-old Molitor, with one appearance in the playoffs in 2017. They were 78-84 this year, long out of postseason contention after a series of early setbacks to several key players.Chief baseball officer Derek Falvey and general manager Thad Levine inherited Molitor when they were hired two years ago, when owner Jim Pohlad said keeping him would be a prerequisite for the job. After the Twins went 85-77 and reached the wild... [More]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins fired Paul Molitor on Tuesday, one season after he won the American League Manager of the Year award.Molitor has been offered another position within the organization."I fully respect that decision," Molitor said in a statement distributed by the Twins. "I will forever be grateful for the opportunity they gave me to serve in the role as manager for these past four years. I'm going to consider their genuine offer to serve in a different capacity to positively impact the Twins from a different role."The Twins went 305-343 under the 62-year-old Molitor, with one appearance in the playoffs in 2017. They were 78-84 this year, long out of postseason contention after a series of early setbacks to several key players.Chief baseball officer Derek Falvey and general manager Thad Levine inherited Molitor when they were hired two years ago, when owner Jim Pohlad said keeping him would be a prerequisite for the job. After the Twins went 85-77 and reached the wild... [More]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The final afternoon of the regular season for the Minnesota Twins was filled with cheers, chills and even a few tears as a lively crowd at Target Field was treated to a meaningful and memorable game .Too bad for the Twins and their fans the playoffs weren't at stake.They had to settle for a Joe Mauer tribute , the probable end to a 15-year major league career for the smooth-swinging, six-time All-Star and one of the best athletes the state has ever produced.The first big news of what will be a busy fall and winter in Minnesota will likely be the announcement from Mauer about whether he will continue his career at age 35. The sentimental scene on Sunday as the Twins beat Chicago to finish with a season-best sixth straight win left little doubt he's done."Either way, it's a good decision, you know? I can either play, or go home and be with my girls," Mauer said before hitting a double and donning the catcher's gear one last time for a ninth-inning curtain call.The end of... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today:IN THE FIRST PLACEThe Red Sox and Braves begin a three-game series between division leaders at SunTrust Park. Atlanta rookie Touki Toussaint pitches for the second time in the majors — the 22-year-old righty threw six sharp innings on Aug. 13 to beat Miami.Toussaint was picked over fellow prospects Bryse Wilson and Kyle Wright after winning his last three starts at Triple-A Gwinnett in impressive fashion. Boston leads the majors with 94 wins, is 50 games over .500 and ranks first in the majors in runs, batting average and slugging percentage."You dream of this as a little kid," Toussaint said. "You want to be in the World Series pitching against the best."Nathan Eovaldi (5-7, 4.35) starts for the Red Sox.PLAYOFF PREVIEW?The New York Yankees and Oakland Athletics own the top two spots in the AL wild-card race by a comfortable margin going into their three-game set at the Coliseum. CC Sabathia (7-5, 3.36 ERA) starts for the Yanks, who are... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Monday:IN THE FIRST PLACEThe Red Sox and Braves begin a three-game series between division leaders at SunTrust Park. Atlanta rookie Touki Toussaint pitches for the second time in the majors — the 22-year-old righty threw six sharp innings on Aug. 13 to beat Miami.Toussaint was picked over fellow prospects Bryse Wilson and Kyle Wright after winning his last three starts at Triple-A Gwinnett in impressive fashion. Boston leads the majors with 94 wins, is 50 games over .500 and ranks first in the majors in runs, batting average and slugging percentage."You dream of this as a little kid," Toussaint said. "You want to be in the World Series pitching against the best."Nathan Eovaldi (5-7, 4.35) starts for the Red Sox.PLAYOFF PREVIEW?The New York Yankees and Oakland Athletics own the top two spots in the AL wild-card race by a comfortable margin going into their three-game set at the Coliseum. CC Sabathia (7-5, 3.36 ERA) starts for the Yanks, who are... [More]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins took nine wins from an 11-game home stand into the All-Star break, a midsummer surge that can boost a middling team into the postseason race.This might not be that kind of year in the American League."I just wish we had more games ahead of us," first baseman Joe Mauer said.Ervin Santana is almost ready to rejoin the rotation. Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano are expected back soon from minor league sabbaticals. Even if reinforcements help maintain this momentum, though, the strength of the league leaders might render it moot.Boston, Houston and New York are all on pace for 100 wins, with Seattle right behind. The Twins earned the second wild card spot last season with an 85-77 record that likely won't come close to qualifying this time. They're 44-50 now, 13 games behind the Mariners with Oakland, Tampa Bay and Los Angeles between them.Catching Cleveland, which leads the AL Central division by 7½ games, is the only realistic path."I think we will play... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Minnesota Twins have reinstated shortstop Jorge Polanco, following his 80-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug.The Twins also recalled right-hander Zack Littell from Triple-A Rochester among several moves before their game Monday at Milwaukee. Left-hander Adalberto Mejia was sent to Rochester after making one start. Utility infielder Ehire Adrianza went to the disabled list with a hamstring injury.To make room for Polanco on the 40-man roster, outfielder Ryan LaMarre was designated for release or assignment. Outfielder Byron Buxton was returned from his rehab assignment and sent to Rochester. Buxton has played in only 28 games for the Twins this season, due to injuries and hitting struggles.Polanco had a breakout 2017 season, batting .316 with 10 homers and 42 RBIs over his last 55 games.___For more AP baseball coverage: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Minnesota Twins have reinstated shortstop Jorge Polanco, following his 80-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug.The Twins also recalled right-hander Zack Littell from Triple-A Rochester among several moves before their game Monday at Milwaukee. Left-hander Adalberto Mejia was sent to Rochester after making one start. Utility infielder Ehire Adrianza went to the disabled list with a hamstring injury.To make room for Polanco on the 40-man roster, outfielder Ryan LaMarre was designated for release or assignment. Outfielder Byron Buxton was returned from his rehab assignment and sent to Rochester. Buxton has played in only 28 games for the Twins this season, due to injuries and hitting struggles.Polanco had a breakout 2017 season, batting .316 with 10 homers and 42 RBIs over his last 55 games.___For more AP baseball coverage: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — With Eddie Rosario dug in the dirt for Minnesota in the ninth inning of a tied game and one runner on, his arms wiggling the bat as they hovered over home plate, the 2-1 fastball from Cleveland closer Cody Allen came in chest high at 94 mph.Most players would've let that pitch go.Rosario let it rip.The ball soared over the 23-foot wall above right-center field, and Rosario exuberantly raced around the bases with his right arm and right index finger extended Sunday in celebration of a walk-off Twins win on his third home run of the afternoon ."I've seen a lot of good days in the big leagues, but I don't know if I've seen one that was more dramatic than that as far as the first inning all the way through the end," said 61-year-old Twins manager Paul Molitor, whose Hall of Fame playing career lasted 21 seasons.Rosario's homers in the first and seventh innings also gave the Twins the lead on their way to a third straight victory over the division-leading Indians. For extra... [More]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer has not been able to shake the concussion-like symptoms he has experienced since hurting his neck three weeks ago.Mauer's return to the lineup hit another road block while working out Thursday before Minnesota's game against Cleveland, when continued sensitivity to light and noise while jogging around and fielding groundballs and forced him to back off."We kind of got a better feel for where I'm at, and I'm not there yet," Mauer said.The 35-year-old Mauer has also been dealing with a cervical strain resulting from a May 11 dive for a foul ball. He played for another week before departing mid-game May 18 and being placed on the disabled list the following day.Mauer said he has been told by the team's medical staff that some recurrence of symptoms is to be expected, but that didn't stem his disappointment. He planned to stay at the ballpark and watch the game from the dugout, another test of sorts of his ability to withstand the typical... [More]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Byron Buxton is going back on the Minnesota Twins disabled list, while right-hander Ervin Santana has had a setback while rehabbing in the minors.Buxton went on the 10-day disabled list Wednesday as he continues to have problems with a fractured big left toe.Santana is still having problems with the middle finger on his pitching hand, which required offseason surgery.Buxton went on the disabled list on April 18 with a migraine and in his first minor league rehab game fouled a ball off his left foot, suffering the hairline fracture."It's one of those things where I felt like I could tolerate," Buxton said. "We all felt it would heal over time, but it's something that didn't do as we planned."Me in my opinion, hopefully, I find a better tolerance level, but in reality it's probably something I need to heal to keep it from lingering around. But I have to see where I set when this stint is over."He was reinstated on May 10, but hit .122 with 17 strikeouts and one walk in... [More]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins have placed outfielder Byron Buxton on the 10-day disabled list with a left big toe fracture.The Twins announced the move before Wednesday night's game against the Kansas City Royals.Buxton has played in 28 games this season, hitting .156 (14-for-90) with four doubles, four RBIs and five stolen bases.To replace Buxton on the 25-man roster, the Twins recalled right-handed pitcher Aaron Slegers from Triple-A Rochester. Slegers made nine starts for the Red Wings, going 5-2 with a 3.27 ERA, eight walks and 31 strikeouts. The 2017 Twins minor league pitcher of the year was recalled by the Twins earlier this season, but did not appear in a game.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins lost a key member of their batting order Saturday as first baseman Joe Mauer was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a cervical strain and concussion-like symptoms.The former American League MVP was pulled from Friday's game in the fifth inning with what the team called "neck stiffness" stemming from a dive for a foul ball on May 11.Twins manager Paul Molitor revealed Saturday that Mauer was also experiencing balance issues and sensitivity to light the night prior, which contributed to his removal."We ran through the protocol last night," said Molitor, "and there was no definitive answer there as far as what exactly is ongoing, but given his history ... it looks to me like it's gonna be at least a few days."Mauer suffered a concussion in 2013 that gave him lingering symptoms as he hit below .280 for three seasons in a row.The 35-year-old batted .305 last season and was hitting .283 this year with a .404 on-base percentage. He recently recorded... [More]