Center field was the center of attention on Monday afternoon at CHS Field, with players representing the present and the future of the Twins joining the Saints.

Byron Buxton, on a rehab assignment from the Twins, manned the position against the Iowa Cubs, while 21-year-old Emmanuel Rodriguez made his Triple-A debut as the Saints’ designated hitter.

The 5-foot-11, 210-pound Rodriguez is rated the No. 3 prospect in the Twins organization (behind outfielder Walker Jenkins and infielder Brooks Lee) by MLB Pipeline. The Twins signed Rodriguez out of the Dominican Republic during the 2019-20 international signing period for $2.5 million.

Buxton, who has been sidelined since August 12 due to right hip inflammation, played seven innings in the Saints’ 11-8 loss. He went 1 for 3 at the plate with a walk.

The left-handed-hitting Rodriguez drove in a run in his first at-bat on a fielder’s choice. He also walked twice and struck out twice. Using teammate Diego Castillo as an interpreter, Rodriguez said he felt proud after making his Triple-A debut.

“I like being here; it’s a big step for me,” he said through Castillo. “I’m going to take advantage of playing with experienced players like Diego Castillo and I’m going to enjoy this time.”

Count Saints manager Toby Gardenhire among those eager to see what Rodriguez can do in Triple-A.

“It’s fun,” Gardenhire said. “He’s one of the big prospects. He’s had some injury stuff. Otherwise, he probably would have been up here earlier.”

Rodriguez sustained a right thumb sprain in May that sidelined him for three months. He appeared in 37 games for Double-A Wichita, hitting .298 with eight home runs. He does not consider the injury to be something that has stalled his development.

“I bet on myself; I know I can do this,” Rodriguez said. “I feel comfortable, and I know I’m going to do a good job.”

Asked if he set a goal of making it to Triple-A this season, Rodriguez said, “For sure, I was thinking about it when I was in Double-A.”

After getting word of the call-up, Rodriguez said he shared the news with his parents, wife and young son back in the Dominican.

Along with his power, Rodriguez is know for a good sense of the strike zone.

“That’s natural to me,” he said. “Since I was a kid I’ve been able to recognize balls and strikes. And I practiced a lot with my brother. With my experience in the minor leagues I’ve kept working on it.”

As for the remainder of the season, Rodriguez said his main focus the remainder of the season is to learn as much as he can. And he’ll always remember that he made his debut with Buxton as a teammate.

“It was great,” he said. “To be honest, I played a couple games with him in spring training. But if feels so good hitting behind him and watching him from the on-deck circle. It was really nice.”

Briefly

Iowa hit three home runs and scored seven runs in the third inning to take an 8-1 lead on Monday. The Saints scored two runs in each of the sixth and eighth innings, and added three more in the ninth before the rally fell short.

Left-handed pitcher Brent Headrick, who has been on the injured list since April 8 due to a left forearm strain, is back with the team and is expected to be activated within a few days. Headrick, who has been used as a starter and a reliever, likely will pitch out of the bullpen.

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