The Twins have optioned shortstop Danny Santana to Triple-A Rochester and recalled DH Kennys Vargas, MLB.com’s Rhett Bollinger reports. Eduardo Escobar will take over regular duties at shortstop.
Santana, 24, finished seventh in American League Rookie of the Year balloting last season, but was unable to gain any traction this year. He entered Sunday’s action batting .217/.235/.291 with no home runs and 11 RBI in 184 plate appearances. He finished 1-for-4 in Sunday’s win against the Brewers.
Vargas, 24, had some struggles of his own, resulting in a demotion to Triple-A in mid-May. He was hitting a meager .248/.295/.362 with three home runs and 10 RBI in 112 PA. It appears he may have figured things out, as he was crushing minor league pitching, posting a .965 OPS with three home runs in 58 PA.