Miranda went 1-for-4 with a two-run single during Tuesday's 4-2 win over the Royals.
Miranda's production at the plate continued Tuesday, plating Manuel Margot and Carlos Correa on a first-inning base hit. In May, Miranda is batting .276 with three long balls, 14 runs scored and 10 RBI across 22 games as the Twins' primary third baseman. However, the 26-year-old could be squeezed out of the starting lineup once Royce Lewis (quad) gets activated from the IL in the coming week or two.
Miranda will start at third base and bat sixth in Sunday's game against the Rangers.
Willi Castro looked as though he would settle in as the Twins' primary third baseman after Byron Buxton returned from the injured list around the middle of May, but Minnesota has instead kept Castro in the regular lineup by moving him all over the outfield. As a result, Miranda has gained traction at the hot corner of late; Sunday will mark his ninth consecutive start at the position. Miranda has earned the playing time by producing a .986 OPS over his last eight starts, but he could nonetheless see his opportunities decrease by the end of next week, when Royce Lewis (quadricep) could be back from the IL.
Miranda is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Yankees.
Miranda had started at third base in seven of the previous eight contests, but he'll cede the hot corner to Willi Castro in the series finale. Though Miranda has posted an .832 OPS over his last 15 games, his opportunities could soon take a hit with Byron Buxton (knee) having kicked off a rehab assignment and potentially returning from the 10-day injured list as soon as this weekend. Castro has been serving as Buxton's primary replacement in the outfield, but Castro will likely see more time at third base at Miranda's expense once Buxton is activated.
Miranda is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Blue Jays.
Willi Castro will get the nod at third base Sunday, but Miranda had manned the hot corner each of the past five games while going 5-for-18 with two doubles and a walk. Until Byron Buxton (knee) returns from the injured list, Castro should see most of his starts in the outfield, creating an opening for Miranda to carve out at least semi-regular playing time at third base.
