The Minnesota Twins informed shortstop Erick Aybar on Thursday that he will not be including on the 25-man roster for Opening Day. The 34-year-old veteran was in camp on a minor league contract which included an invitation to Spring Training and hit .257 with four runs and five RBI in 35 at-bats. The move signals that the team plans to go with Eduardo Escobar and Ehire Adrianza as fill-ins at shortstop until Jorge Polanco's 80-game suspension is finished. They also have highly-rated shortstop Nick Gordon waiting in the wing at Triple-A. Aybar hasn't been fantasy relevant since the 2015 season.
Free-agent shortstop Erick Aybar signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins, including an invitation to spring training. Per Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, the deal will pay Aybar $1.25 million plus incentives if he makes the major league roster. He can opt out before the end of spring training. The 34-year-old spent last season batting .234/.300/.348 with seven homers, 22 RBI and 11 steals in 108 games with the Padres. The former Gold Glove winner will compete for a backup role with the Twins. Aybar may get a chance to fill in for third baseman Miguel Sano, who reported to camp out of shape and may also be subject to a disciplinary suspension.
Erick Aybar Back from DL, Should Start on Saturday
San Diego shortstop Erick Aybar managed to make it back from the 10-day disabled list after 40 days on the shelf with a foot injury. It was thought he may not return at all in 2017, but he was activated and could be in the lineup for one of the Padres' games in Saturday's doubleheader. Aybar has been disappointing all season, hitting .227 with six home runs, 16 RBI, and seven steals. He shouldn't be paid attention to in fantasy leagues, but his return could affect playing time for the other Padres infielders a bit.
San Diego shortstop Erick Aybar suffered a fractured foot after fouling a pitch off it on Friday. It appears his season may be over, although a mid-September return is possible. The Padres still haven't called up anyone to replace his position, choosing to go with nine relievers, but that will change with today's trade. The team has open spots and could very well use one on an infielder. For now, Rule 5 pick Allen Cordoba is filling in at shortstop. Cordoba is hitting .225 with three home runs and 13 RBI in 173 at-bats.
Erick Aybar to Disabled List, Padres Could Seek Help in Minors
San Diego Padres shortstop Erick Aybar fouled a ball off his foot Friday night and will land on the disabled list as a result. Allen Cordoba was filling in on Saturday and wore the golden sombrero, going 0-for-4 with a strikeout in every at-bat. The Padres have some options in the minors, such as Jose Rondon and Javier Guerra, but no move has been announced yet. Aybar was hitting .227 with six home runs, 16 RBI, and seven steals on the season, so it would be unfortunate if he was on your fantasy team to begin with.
Erick Aybar Swipes Fourth Bag, Has Little Value Otherwise
San Diego Padres shortstop Erick Aybar had his fourth multi-hit game as a Padre, going 2-for-3 on Wednesday night. He also homered and stole his fourth base of the season. Aybar's four homers seem to be a bit fluky, as his career high is 10 over a full season, and he's enjoying a 10.8 percent HR/FB ratio that is triple his career average. The speed is legit, as Aybar stole double-digit bases six straight seasons before 2016, but his .214/.299/.369 slash line may not improve much more, limiting him to NL-only value.
