Designated hitter Byung Ho Park cleared waivers and was outrighted to Class AAA Rochester by the Twins. Park was designated for assignment last week as the Twins made room to add free agent righthander Matt Belisle.
Perkins calls off mound session; Park clears waivers; Light traded
Things are starting to heat up in Fort Myers in the days leading up to the start of Twins training camp. Pitchers and catchers report on Tuesday.
February 10, 2017 at 2:00AM
It was a gamble that no team would claim Park and the $9.25 million remaining on his contract, considering he batted .191 in 62 games for the Twins last season
Park will report to camp as a non-roster invite and battle for a spot on the Opening Day roster.
• Reliever Pat Light, who was designated for assignment on Monday, was traded to Pittsburgh for cash considerations. Light, who gave up 14 earned runs in 14 innings with the Twins last season, was traded to the Twins from Boston for Fernando Abad. Light will be remembered for throwing a wild pitch while trying to intentionally walk Detroit's Erick Aybar.
• Reliever Glen Perkins felt a familiar catch behind his left shoulder and won't throw off mound on Friday. Perkins postponed the session so he can continue to work on arm strength.
Perkins is attempting to rebound after season-ending surgery last year to repair a torn labrum -- a surgery that ended up being more extensive that initially expected.
Perkins, who pitched in just two games last season, wasn't expected to be ready to pitch in games until the second half of spring training. Even then, his availability heading into the regular season wasn't a sure thing. It's unclear how this development will affect his schedule, but it is safe to assume that he and the Twins will be careful about how he progresses during camp. Brandon Kintzler is expected to open the season as closer instead of Perkins, a three-time All-Star with 120 career saves.
When Perkins had surgery last June, his labrum had to be reattached to the bone, guaranteeing a lengthy recovery period.
After an incredible 25-year career that saw him become MLB's all-time stolen bases leader and the greatest leadoff hitter ever, Rickey Henderson died Friday at age 65.
