MINNEAPOLIS -- Versatile catcher Willians Astudillo is doing everything possible to be part of the Twins' plans in 2019, while Tyler Austin is trying to prove he can be counted on as a slugging first baseman/designated hitter next year.
Both players had big nights in the series finale against the Tigers on Thursday, as Astudillo went 2-for-4 with four RBIs, while Austin doubled twice and drove in three runs to lead the Twins to a 9-3 win at Target Field.
Astudillo bounced back from a rare strikeout in the second, just his third in 26 games this season, and his first since Aug.