Pops homer in intrasquad debut Jones hit a home run in an intrasquad game Wednesday, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports. Impact Jones has hit 11 home runs in each of the last two seasons, while providing 20 total steals in that time and good defense in center. Plate discipline has been his issue, as he's struck out 30 percent of the time or more in three of his four MLB seasons, and he's yet to bat above .235. Manager Ron Gardenhire sounded optimistic, however, about the 28-year-old taking a step forward in 2020. "His swing is really nice and short," Gardenhire said. "I think if he can stay healthy here - he plays really hard and dives around - he's an impact player for us." Jones is likely to begin the year as the everyday center fielder, but prospects Daz Cameron and Derek Hill are in the 60-man player pool if the team decides to go in a different direction at some point.
JULY 8, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
