Club, fan favorite Julien odd man out in roster crunch
NEW YORK — The Minnesota Twins faced a difficult decision as they prepared for Royce Lewis’ imminent return to the team. The repercussions of this roster move became evident when Edouard Julien was informed that he would be sent down to Triple-A to make room for Lewis.
Julien, a key player for the Twins in 2023, found himself at the center of an emotional scene in the clubhouse at Minute Maid Park. Despite being a fan favorite and a standout performer in the postseason, Julien’s struggles at the plate led to the difficult decision to send him down.
With a .207/.309/.367 slash line and a high strikeout rate, Julien was unable to withstand the pressure of the roster crunch. His challenges with offspeed pitches and a lack of production against non-fastballs contributed to the team’s decision to give him an opportunity to make adjustments in the Minor Leagues.
Manager Rocco Baldelli expressed his confidence in Julien’s ability to use this time effectively and return as a stronger player. In the meantime, Jose Miranda has solidified his role as the team’s everyday third baseman, further complicating Julien’s path back to the Majors.
As the Twins navigate this roster shuffle, Julien will have the opportunity to refine his skills and reclaim his spot on the team. Despite the disappointment of being sent down, his teammates and coaches are supportive of his journey back to the big leagues.
The Twins’ decision to send Julien down highlights the competitive nature of professional baseball and the constant need for players to adapt and improve. While it may be a challenging time for Julien, it also presents an opportunity for growth and development that could ultimately benefit both him and the team in the long run.
