Overview
- Heineman, who popped up with the bases loaded, was lifted between innings Sunday in Minneapolis in what John Schneider called a 'manager’s decision'.
- Schneider and team reporting said the switch was not due to injury, and Heineman accepted the call and labeled his at-bat 'pretty trash'.
- The veteran catcher has slumped to a .176 average with a .398 OPS, deepening worries about production at a position stretched by injury.
- Rookie Brandon Valenzuela took over behind the plate and has shown a big arm and recent power, and multiple reports indicate he could draw more starts while Kirk heals.
- All-Star Alejandro Kirk remains on the injured list with a fractured thumb, with optimism for a late-May or early-June return that could force a choice between Valenzuela as backup or sticking with Heineman.