The Twins have claimed outfielder Sam Fuld off of waivers from the Oakland A's, giving them a player who can back up all three outfield positions and spell Aaron Hicks in center field, especially against right-handed pitching.

Fuld, 32, hit .200 in seven games with Oakland as a replacement for the injured Coco Crisp. He homered against the Twins at Target Field during the home opening series.

To make room for Fuld, the Twins desginated outfielder Darin Mastroianni for assignment.

The Twins were awarded Fuld at 12:05 today, and had to make immediate room on the 40-man roster for him, So they designated Mastroianni, who was 0-for-11 in seven games for the Twins. The Twins have 10 days to trade him, but assistant GM Rob Antony said Mastrianni is in, ``good standing," with the Twins and would like to keep him in the organization if he clears waivers.

Antony said Fuld can play all three outfield positions, but he also brought up the possibility of Fuld taking some lefthanded at-bats away from Aaron Hicks.

Hicks has been struggling at the plate, batting .179 overal and .161 lefthanded. He also didn't hustle to back up at least two plays in the outfield, which manager Ron Gardenhire pointed out before Sunday's game.

``I wouldn't say he's gotten off to a great start," Antony said. ``I don't think he's inked in as our centerfielder every day for the rest of the season. I think he needs to improve his game and become more consistent."