MINNEAPOLIS — Derek Shelton still describes it as a platoon situation, but the Minnesota Twins’ most recent lineups offer a strong indication Ryan Kreidler is taking over as their starting shortstop for now.Even with another right-hander on the mound on Monday night, the sure-handed Kreidler received a third straight start in a 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in front of 35,244 at Target Field.Kreidler’s offense is undoubtedly creating the opportunity. He’s hitting .284/.370/.519 with four home runs even after going 0-for-3 on Monday.But as good as Kreidler’s bat is amid this career year, his defense is a driver for the uptick in playing time. Though it seems likely he’ll eventually lose his job to prospect Kaelen Culpepper, with Kreidler in the lineup, the Twins have their best defensive option at shortstop since 2023.“He’s played about as well as you can play defensively,” Shelton said. “The two games in Arizona, in the first inning he made an unbelievable play on the (ball) from Carroll. He made a really good play later in the game. Those factors contribute.”
Ryan Kreidler…wOBA .398 (MLB avg = .318) with a wRC+ of 154. He’s hitting .295/.382/.538. Twins picked him up off waivers last October 15th. Just a great story…and he brings the defense! pic.twitter.com/MTfzN3dw2X
