KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- For the first time since coming to the big leagues on July 2, Miguel Sano was held out of Tuesday's lineup for a reason that was not injury-related.
While his nagging hamstring injury continues to improve, the rookie slugger found himself in a short-term tailspin that included 11 strikeouts in a span of 12 at-bats (13 plate appearances). Twins manager Paul Molitor hadn't ruled out sitting Sano on Wednesday as well to give him a three-day "mental break" that would include Thursday's scheduled off day.
"When it goes against you for multiple days, all of a sudden that idle time (as a designated hitter) doesn't become your friend anymore when you're sitting there waiting for that next at-bat," Molitor said.