Willi Castro

The knockout round of the WBC starts tonight

Edwin Diaz finished things off in the ninth, striking out three of the four batters he faced. Puerto Rico got all of its runs in the fifth, with a Gio Urshela error providing an assist. The game featured just one extra-bae hit, a double from Willi Castro that made it 4-0 in the fifth. Puerto Rico actually didn't have a hit aside from that inning.

First Pitch (CT): 12:05TV: Twins.TV and MLB.TV (FREE)Radio: Audacy AppKnow Yo Foe: Go on vacation to Puerto Rico or something What to watch: The three backup SS options are all in the lineup as they fight for the Twins final roster spot. Gray at SS, Arcia at 3B, and Kreidler in RF. Also, Willi Castro [ ]

Amador was banished to Triple-A after criticizing the Rockies on social media last August, but he should have another chance now to compete for what should be a wide open second base job with Willi Castro (who can play anywhere), Edouard Julien, Ryan Ritter and maybe Tyler Freeman. Of course, today's showing won't help. He's 4-for-17 with a homer and two steals so far.

Castro scalded the ball today, posting EVs of 111.6 mph, 101.7 mph and 101.1 mph. He was a big disappointment after getting traded to the Cubs last summer, but he has a chance to amass some mixed-league value in what should be an everyday role in Colorado. It just could come down to how many bases he steals; he swiped 33 bags in 2023, but he's come in at 14 and 10 the last two years.