2017 Cedar Rapids Kernels manager Tommy Watkins will join Minnesota Twins staff

CEDAR RAPIDS — Tommy Watkins is headed back to the big leagues.

The popular former Cedar Rapids Kernels manager and coach was announced Friday as the new first-base coach for the Minnesota Twins. Watkins is on the staff of first-year manager Rocco Baldelli.

He managed the Kernels to the Midwest League playoffs in 2017 and was hitting coach here the four seasons before that. The 38-year-old has been managing this fall in the Arizona Fall League, which features many of the top player prospects in the game.

Watkins was drafted by the Twins in the 38th round in 1998 and played 12 seasons in their system. He made it into nine major-league games for Minnesota in 2007, going 10-for-32 at the plate.

He transitioned into coaching after retiring in 2009.

l Comments: (319) 398-8259; jeff.johnson@thegazette.com