The Minnesota Twins have waived pitcher Scott Diamond.
According to the Star Tribune, if Diamond clears waivers he could join a crowded rotation in Class AAA Rochester, or if he clears it would be easier for the Twins to trade him, because he would not require a spot on another team’s 40-man roster.
That would be similar to what the Twins did, on Tuesday, with Vance Worley when they dealt him to Pittsburgh after he cleared waivers.
Diamond, who started last season recovering from offseason surgery, finished 2013 with a 6-13 record and a 5.43 ERA. His struggles continued this spring.
It wasn’t long ago though, Diamond was considered to be a pitcher who could become part of the permanent rotation. In 2012, Diamond was the Twins most consistent pitcher. He ended the season at 12-9 with a 3.54 ERA and struck out 90 in 173 innings.
Now his Twins career could be over.
The Pioneer Press reports Diamond’s waiver period expires at 1 p.m. on Thursday. Any team that claims Diamond must keep him on its big-league roster or subject him to the same waiver process the Twins are.
The newspaper says the Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres and Washington Nationals are all teams in need of help at the back of their big-league rotations.
The move means the Twins have settled on Kyle Gibson as their No. 5 starter. Samuel Deduno, who like Diamond is out of options, is expected to open the season in the Twins bullpen.
