Diamond reports to Rochester

Lefthander Scott Diamond reported to the minor league camp Sunday and pitched in an intrasquad game between Class AAA Rochester and Class AA New Britain. The Twins outrighted Diamond on Thursday, and he had 48 hours to accept the assignment or become a free agent. After checking his options, Diamond returned to the Twins. He could be the first one called up if someone falters or is injured.

''We're glad that he decided to come back,'' Twins assistant general manager Rob Antony said. ''You look at our Triple-A rotation, we've got a lot of upside but not a lot of experience.''

The Red Wings' rotation includes Kris Johnson and prospects Alex Meyer, Trevor May and Logan Darnell. Diamond's arrival forces lefthander Sean Gilmartin, who the Twins received from Atlanta for Ryan Doumit, to start the season at New Britain.

Bartlett, Kubel sign

The Twins added Jason Bartlett and Jason Kubel to the roster as they reached the 25-man limit before Opening Day. Bartlett will earn $1 million this season while Kubel will earn $2 million. Both players can earn more money through incentive bonuses. Bartlett will be a utility player while Kubel will get plenty of at-bats as the designated hitter or left fielder.

The Twins reassigned catcher Dan Rohlfing to the minor league camp.

Special moment

Outfielder Adam Brett Walker was one of several minor leaguers along as extra players Saturday, but he found a way to stand out among them.

Walker hit the first pitch he saw over the fake Green Monster in left for a two-run homer during a 7-4 victory over Boston.

''Big smile on his face,'' Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. ''We all did, too. That's the fun part of spring.''

Walker, a third-round pick in 2012, hit .278 at Class A Cedar Rapids last season with 27 homers and 109 RBI. He'll start this season at Class A Fort Myers.

''It was an awesome experience,'' Walker said.

Buxton update

Top prospect Byron Buxton's sore left wrist is beginning to improve.

Buxton was examined by Twins physician Dr. John Steubs. Buxton will remain inactive for another 10 days to make sure the wrist is healed before starting baseball activities.

Buxton sprained his wrist while diving for a ball March 16.

Gibson stays back

Kyle Gibson stayed back while the team flew to Chicago. He will pitch in a minor league spring training game Sunday, then catch up with the team in Chicago. He's set to start Saturday in Cleveland.

On deck

The Twins will have an informal workout at U.S. Cellular Field for a few hours Sunday as they prepare for the start of the 2014 season.

LA VELLE E. NEAL III