FORT MYERS, Fla. _ Spring training officially started Wednesday morning in 80 degree weather as Twins pitchers and catchers reported to camp at the CenturyLink Complex.
The only absences were pitcher Fernando Romero and Kenta Maeda.
Romero, a 25-year-old righthander from the Dominican Republic, is delayed by visa issues, and isn't expected until next week. After an impressive audition with the Twins in 2018, he was considered a promising prospect as a reliever _ maybe even the closer _ entering camp last year. But he struggled in the spring, in the minors, and in 15 games in the major leagues and is likely destined to start the season in Class AAA.
Maeda, the 31-year-old starter obtained from the Dodgers, landed Wednesday afternoon and will work out Thursday. The big trade wasn't finalized until late Monday, and Maeda was coming from his home in Tokyo. The Twins sent reliever Brusdar Graterol, the 67th choice in this year's draft and minor league outfielder Luke Raley to the Dodgers for Maeda, $10 million and 20-year-old minor league catcher Jair Camargo.
Maeda will keep his No. 18, by the way, and catcher Mitch Garver will switch to No. 8.
"Sorry to the fans who bought an #18 jersey recently," Garver (@garvsauce) tweeted. "Kenta really wants that number and if that is what it takes for him to feel comfortable and be his best I'm all in."
