The Minnesota Twins did a little holiday shopping on Tuesday, spending $2.2 million dollars on a free-agent relief pitcher.
Tim Stauffer, a 32-year-old right-hander, agreed to a one-year deal with the Twins. To make room for him on the 40-man roster, the Twins optioned outfielder/first baseman Chris Parmelee and catcher Eric Fryer to Triple-A Rochester.
Twins sign Padres RH reliever Tim Stauffer to one-year, $2.2 million free agent contract.
— Phil Miller (@MillerStrib) December 23, 2014
According to MLB.com, Stauffer finished his 2014 season with the San Diego Padres with a 3.50 ERA and 67 strikeouts in just over 64 innings pitched. He spent his first nine seasons with the Padres.
Twins Daily notes that Stauffer began his career as a starting pitcher, but a series of injuries ultimately turned him into a bullpen arm. Mike Berardino has more detail on the injury issues.
Tim Stauffer has long injury history. Surgery for torn labrum (shoulder) in 2007, flexor tendon (elbow) in August 2012. Appendectomy 2010.
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) December 23, 2014
“I feel great,” Stauffer said Tuesday, according to MLB.com. “My elbow has felt great the last couple years without any issues. I’m able to go out there and pitch without having to worry about it.”
According to Fox Sports North, Stauffer was the fourth overall pick out of the University of Richmond in the 2003 amateur draft. He has a career record of 32-34 with a 3.87 ERA.
