Jorge Polanco is a talented infielder who has made a name for himself in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member of the Minnesota Twins.
He has had a successful career so far, with notable accomplishments such as being named an All-Star in 2019 and hitting a career-high 25 home runs in 2021. However, in 2022, Polanco suffered a left knee injury that caused him to miss the final month of the season.
His progress in recovery was delayed during the Grapefruit League, which pushed back his 2023 debut until this past weekend.
Fans and sports enthusiasts have been wondering whether Polanco is still playing and what his current status is.
This article will provide an update on Polanco’s career and answer the question: Is Jorge Polanco still playing?
Polanco’s Early Career and Accomplishments
Jorge Polanco was signed by the Minnesota Twins as an international free agent in 2009 when he was just 16 years old.
He made his debut in the minor leagues in 2010 and gradually worked his way up through the Twins’ farm system. In 2014, he made his major league debut with the Twins, playing in just 9 games that season.
Polanco’s breakthrough year came in 2017, when he became a regular in the Twins’ lineup and played in 133 games. He hit .256 with 13 home runs and 74 RBI that season, and also showed off his speed on the basepaths with 13 stolen bases.
In 2018, Polanco continued to improve, hitting .288 with 6 home runs and 42 RBI in just 77 games before being suspended for 80 games for violating the MLB’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
Despite the suspension, Polanco bounced back in 2019 and had a career year. He hit .295 with 22 home runs, 79 RBI, and 4 stolen bases, earning him his first All-Star selection. He also finished 12th in the American League MVP voting that year.
In 2021, Polanco had another strong season, hitting a career-high 25 home runs and 89 RBI while batting .271.
He also won the Silver Slugger award for his performance at shortstop. Over the course of his career so far, Polanco has established himself as a reliable infielder with a solid bat and speed on the bases.
Polanco’s Recent Injury and Recovery
Unfortunately, Polanco suffered a left knee injury in August 2022 that caused him to miss the final month of the 2022 season. The specifics of the injury were not disclosed, but it was serious enough to keep him out of action for several weeks.
Polanco’s recovery was expected to take some time, and he was limited in his participation during Spring Training in the Grapefruit League leading up to the 2023 season.
The Twins were cautious with his recovery, monitoring his progress closely and gradually increasing his workload. As a result, Polanco’s 2023 debut was delayed until this past weekend, more than a month into the regular season.
Despite the setback, Polanco remained determined to return to full strength and contribute to his team’s success.
In interviews, he expressed frustration with the injury but also gratitude for the support he received from his teammates and coaches during his recovery.
His delayed debut was met with enthusiasm from Twins fans, who were eager to see him back on the field.
Current Status and Performance
As of my knowledge cutoff date of September 2021, Jorge Polanco had returned to the field for the Minnesota Twins after recovering from his left knee injury. However, I do not have access to any updates on his current playing status beyond this date.
If Polanco has returned to the field since September 2021, his recent performance and accomplishments would depend on his most recent games.
Polanco is known for his reliable defense and ability to hit for average and power, and his performance on the field will likely be closely watched by Twins fans and MLB enthusiasts alike.
Regardless of his recent performance, Polanco’s return to the field after a serious injury is a testament to his resilience and determination.
His continued presence in the Twins’ lineup provides a valuable boost to the team, and his contributions on both offense and defense will be key to their success moving forward.
Here’s a Table Summarizing Some of the Key Information About Jorge Polanco’s Career in Major League Baseball:
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Position | Shortstop |
| Team | Minnesota Twins |
| Years in MLB | 2014 – present |
| Career batting average | .269 |
| Career home runs | 81 |
| Career RBI | 337 |
| Career stolen bases | 53 |
| All-Star selections | 1 (2019) |
| Silver Slugger awards | 1 (2021) |
| Other awards | Twins’ Most Improved Player (2017), Twins’ Heart and Hustle Award winner (2019) |
The table provides a quick and easy way to see some of the most important information about Jorge Polanco’s career, including his position, team, and career stats, as well as the awards and accolades he has received.
FAQs
What position does Jorge Polanco play?
Jorge Polanco is an infielder who primarily plays shortstop for the Minnesota Twins.
How long has Polanco been with the Minnesota Twins?
Polanco has been with the Minnesota Twins since he was signed by the team as an international free agent in 2009.
Has Polanco won any awards or accolades other than an All-Star selection and a Silver Slugger award?
In addition to being named an All-Star in 2019 and winning a Silver Slugger award in 2021, Polanco was also named the Twins’ Most Improved Player in 2017 and the Twins’ Heart and Hustle Award winner in 2019.
How has Polanco’s performance been affected by his left knee injury?
Polanco’s performance after his return from his left knee injury will depend on his most recent games, which are not available beyond my knowledge cutoff date of September 2021. However, knee injuries can often impact a player’s mobility and agility, which may affect their performance on defense and on the basepaths.
What are Polanco’s career stats?
As of September 2021, Jorge Polanco had a career batting average of .269, with 81 home runs, 337 RBI, and 53 stolen bases over 730 games played.
Conclusion
Jorge Polanco’s career in Major League Baseball has been marked by impressive accomplishments, including an All-Star selection, a Silver Slugger award, and consistent production on both offense and defense.
However, his progress was stalled by a left knee injury in 2022 that caused him to miss the final month of the season and delayed his 2023 debut until this past weekend.
Despite the setback, Polanco remained determined to return to full strength and contribute to his team’s success.
If he has returned to the field since my knowledge cutoff date of September 2021, his recent performance and accomplishments would depend on his most recent games.
Regardless, Polanco’s presence in the Twins’ lineup is invaluable, and his resilience and determination are a testament to his talent and character.
While I cannot provide a definitive answer to the question “Is Jorge Polanco still playing?” beyond September 2021.
I can say that he has been a valuable player for the Minnesota Twins throughout his career so far, and his return to the field after a serious injury is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and dedication to the sport.
