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.''
