Twins' Sano could see time in left field in Dominican Winter League

Eager to increase Miguel Sano's defensive versatility this offseason, the Minnesota Twins have asked Estrellas Orientales, the youngster's Dominican Winter League club, to give him some reps in left field over the next few weeks.

The 22-year-old didn't log a single inning in the outfield throughout his minor-league career, and received the majority of his playing time with the Twins last season as designated hitter, receiving only the occasional start at third base. Though Sano thrived as the club's primary DH, smashing 18 homers with a .916 OPS (146 OPS+) over 80 games in his rookie season, manager Paul Molitor wants him to play the field more in 2016.

"I don't want Miguel Sano to be a DH next year full time," Molitor told Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "I've got to look for a way to get him on the field. It might not work out. He’s going to play a little bit this winter. We’re going to expose him to some work down there. I don’t know how many games he’ll play, but I know he’s going to get some work on that."

With Trevor Plouffe entrenched at third base, though, and Joe Mauer set to reprise his role as the club's everyday first baseman, left field seems like the most sensible fit for Sano.

"We'll see," Molitor said. "It might be far-fetched. We've got an opening in the outfield. We've got (Aaron) Hicks and we have (Eddie) Rosario and we have (Byron) Buxton. Who's going to be ready? We've got (Max) Kepler on the way and we've still got (Oswaldo) Arcia in the system. I've got to look for a spot to get (Sano) on the field defensively, and right now I think that's one place I would at least consider."