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Jorge Polanco suspended 80 games for PEDs

The Twins now have a big hole at shortstop.

Minnesota Twins v Tampa Bay Rays Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images

This is not good. Per Rhett Bollinger:

Polanco was set to the be the starting shortstop for the Twins, but now they have a second concern on the left side of the infield in addition to the offseason accusation of assault involving Miguel Sano. The initial reaction would be that Eduardo Escobar would replace Polanco, but if Sano is suspended, then Escobar is likely filling in at third base. Instead, this should guarantee an Opening Day roster spot to Ehire Adrianza and there’s an even bigger possibility that non-roster invitee Erick Aybar makes the roster. If Sano is indeed suspended, then the left side of the infield will likely feature Escobar and Adrianza as the starters with Aybar coming off the bench.

This is a huge blow for the Twins but it’s entirely possible that they can weather the storm with Escobar and Adrianza. If not, they could still look to signing veteran shortstop Stephen Drew or bypassing Aybar entirely to add utilityman Taylor Featherston to the 40-man roster, a guy that has a Drew Butera-like bat but is an excellent defender and has seen time at all four infield positions.