Miguel Sano Continues On The Comeback Trail

The Minnesota Twins are 46-37, still in possession of the top spot in the AL Central, 3.5 games ahead of the Cleveland Guardians.

They have managed to remain competitive without one of their most feared sluggers: Miguel Sano.

Sano, who hit 30 home runs in 2021 and 34 in 2019, has been out with a knee injury for a while.

He hasn’t played since April 30, when he suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee.

Fortunately for him, it wasn’t a season-ending injury, but it took him out of action for the last two months and counting.

However, he is nearing a return to active duties, which is welcome news for manager Rocco Baldelli.

He has been on a minor league rehab assignment and his return should be a matter of weeks.

“Rehab Game 2 is complete for Miguel Sano. He batted second, played first base, and went 1-for-3. In addition, Danny De Andrade has hit his first home run of the FCL season. It is his first homer as a professional,” Twins reporter Seth Stohs tweeted.

Rehab Game 2 is complete for Miguel Sano. He batted second, played first base, and went 1-for-3.

In addition, Danny De Andrade has hit his first home run of the FCL season. It is his first homer as a professional.

— Seth Stohs (@SethTweets) July 5, 2022

Sano Will Have To Improve To Get Playing Time

There are a few problems with Sano, though.

First, he will have to prove his knee is healthy enough for him to move without restrictions.

Second, he wasn’t performing well at the moment of getting hurt.

He was hitting just .093/.231/.148 with a homer in 17 games before his surgery.

If he manages to avoid setbacks, there’s a good chance he’s ready to return in late July or early August.

He will have to earn his playing time upon returning, though, because no manager will find a spot in the lineup for a guy with a .379 OPS.

Hi power potential is worth waiting around, however.