The Twins added to their crop of experienced relief candidates today, claiming lefthanded pitcher Dusty Hughes off waivers from the Royals and designating righthander Rob Delaney for assignment.
Hughes, 28, went 1-3 with a 3.83 ERA for the Royals last season, with 24 walks and 34 strikeouts in 57 appearances, spanning 56 1/3 innings.
In 10 appearances against the Twins last season, Hughes posted a 2.03 ERA. This spring, Hughes will be competing for jobs with fellow Twins lefthanders Jose Mijares, Glen Perkins and Scott Diamond (Rule V draftee), along with non-roster invitees Chuck James and Phil Dumatrait.
"[Hughes] will just add to the competition for our bullpen spots," Twins General Manager Bill Smith said. "We lost a lot of guys that were with us at the end of the season, so we're adding to the depth."
On a side note, Delaney has been a delight to cover at spring training the past two years. There's hope he'll clear waivers and re-sign with the Twins. Here's a story about Delaney's unique offseason role, as a substitute teacher.
Also, here's an updated look at the Twins' 40-man roster:
Pitchers (21): Scott Baker, Nick Blackburn, David Bromberg, Alex Burnett, Matt Capps, Scott Diamond, Brian Duensing, Deolis Guerra, Eric Hacker, Jim Hoey, Dusty Hughes, Francisco Liriano, Jeff Manship, Jose Mijares, Joe Nathan, Pat Neshek, Carl Pavano, Glen Perkins, Anthony Slama, Kevin Slowey, Anthony Swarzak.
Catchers (2): Drew Butera, Joe Mauer.
