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About a week ago the Twins designated Byung Ho Park for assignment to make room for newly signed Matt Belisle. This was surprising, since the Twins had Park under contract and had seemingly better options (*cough* Danny Santana) to DFA. I guess the Twins know what they’re doing, though, as LENIII reports that he has cleared waivers and is now on the AAA roster.
Why did no one claim him? It probably had something do with his injury and less than stellar numbers in 2016. He finished the year hitting just .191/.275/.409, and while he claims the injury didn’t affect his performance, it seems likely that it did. He showed glimpses of what he can do, hitting 12 home runs including the longest hit by a Twin last season. It would have been a shame to lose out on that potential for a middle relief pitcher.
Park is one candidate for DH this year, along with Joe Mauer, Kennys Vargas, and maybe Robbie Grossman.
I suspect he’ll find himself back on the 40 man before too long, as myjah said in the comments: “I mean, once they get to Spring Training and look around maybe they’ll remember both Robbie Grossman and Danny Santana are still on there and be like, ‘Oh crap.’”