If the Twins want to make a move in the near-term, they now have room on the 40-man roster. Chris Colabello has been claimed off waivers by the Blue Jays.
The Blue Jays have claimed Chris Colabello off waivers. The #MNTwins roster is now at 39.
— Dustin Morse (@Twins_morsecode) December 8, 2014
Chris Colabello: "I’m thankful to the Twins for the opportunity they gave me in the past, and I’m looking forward to a new beginning."
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) December 8, 2014
#BlueJays like that Colabello has a minor-league option remaining, view him as RH bat to replace John Mayberry, who was non-tendered.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 8, 2014
Minnesota's 40-man roster now stands at 39. The obvious takeaway is that there's now space on the roster if the team wants to take part in Thursday's Rule 5 draft, but it also opens up flexibility for a trade or free agent signing. Even if Colabello hadn't been claimed by Toronto, he was on his way off of the 40-man. After hitting .214/.284/.364 in 401 plate appearances between 2013 and 2014, it's not a surprise that the Twins have decided the roster spot could be better used.
I'll update this post with links to Colabello's history with the Twins.
Chris Colabello: 2013 non-roster invitee | Free Chris Colabello | Chris Colabello and going the other way | Who should DH for the Twins this year? | 5 questions for the regular season | 2014 Twins opening day roster | HOW BOUT THAT CHRIS COLABELLO | Twins sweep double-header | The legend of Chris Colabello | One last recall for Chris Colabello