FORT MYERS, FLA. — The Twins lost a couple of veteran relievers Tuesday when Jeff Hoffman was granted his release and Danny Coulombe was traded to Baltimore for cash considerations.
Twins lose relievers Jeff Hoffman, Danny Coulombe via release and trade
The veteran pitchers, on minor league contracts, were slated to start the season with St. Paul.
March 29, 2023 at 1:41AM
Both pitchers, signed to minor league contracts, had been slated to start the season at Class AAA St. Paul.
Hoffman, a 30-year-old righthander, had an opt-out to become a free agent if he didn't make the team. He pitched five innings in spring training games, giving up two runs and striking out eight.
The ninth overall choice in the 2014 draft, Hoffman was with Cincinnati the past two seasons after five seasons with the Colorado Rockies. In 134 major league games — 50 of them starts — he has a 5.68 ERA.
Coulombe, coming off hip surgery, was assigned to minor league camp Sunday. The 33-year-old lefthander hadn't given up a run in spring training, but was a victim of numbers as the Twins kept lefties Caleb Thielbar and Jovani Moran.
The Orioles designated pitcher Andrew Politi for assignment, clearing room on their roster for Coulombe. He'll start the season in the major leagues.
The Twins also assigned catcher Tony Walters to St. Paul.
Twins finish with victory
The Twins finished the Grapefruit League season with a 14-15 record after a 7-5 victory over the Pirates in Bradenton on Tuesday.
Twins starter Tyler Mahle pitched four innings, giving up a run and a hit in his final tuneup before taking the fifth spot in the starting rotation.
Seth Gray hit a three-run home run in a four-run eighth inning to rally the Twins. Kyle Farmer had two hits as the Twins used a major league lineup for the first four innings.
The speculation surrounding shortstop Carlos Correa’s availability in a trade was overblown this week, Twins officials indicated at the winter meetings in Dallas.
