With Opening Day just barely over a week away, the Twins made several roster cuts Sunday morning, including the unconditional release of veteran outfielder Drew Stubbs. Stubbs had a .139 average with fifteen strikeouts through 36 spring training at bats, so his release is hardly a surprise.
“I think they gave me my fair share of looks,” Stubbs told reporters. “I just didn’t pull my end of the deal and do what I needed to do. I appreciate the chances they gave me.”
The Twins also optioned reliever Drew Rucinski to Triple-A Rochester. Rucinski had a 6.48 ERA and seven strikeouts in 8.1 innings of work this spring.
According to LEN3, more moves may be coming later today. Stay tuned.
What about Kennys Vargas?
It seems more and more likely that ByungHo Park will be the Opening Day DH for the Twins given his hot spring, but the official decision has not yet been made. Kennys Vargas, who fouled a ball off his shin Friday night, is day-to-day but still in big league camp. However, with just five games remaining, time is running out.
And Ehire Adrianza?
Slick-fielding shortstop Ehire Adrianza is also still in big league camp, but injured so not playing. He strained his oblique last night.
UPDATE [4:53 pm CT]:
Following today’s game Ben Paulsen, Matt Hague and Bengie Gonzalez were told they would be reassigned to Triple-A Rochester. It’s not clear yet if they’ve already gone to minor league camp or if they were just told that they would be sent before the end of spring training (still don’t think the veterans want to go on bus rides). None of these guys were even on the 40-man roster, so it should’t come as a surprise.