Righthander Alex Burnett paid the price for his poor spring, as the Twins optioned him to Class AAA Rochester to work out some kinks Wednesday.
Burnett spent most of 2011 and all of 2012 with the Twins. Last season he got off to a strong start but posted a 5.49 ERA over his final 19 appearances to finish 4-4 with a 3.52 ERA.
On Wednesday, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said: "It kind of carried over into spring training. Not too many clean innings.''
Burnett posted a 7.56 ERA in seven appearances during camp, including a couple solid outings recently. He also dealt with a blister on his right foot.
"We told Alex that he has to firm some things up,'' Twins General Manager Terry Ryan said. "It was a tough call.''
The Twins declined to announce their final roster, but it appears as if their pitching staff has been sorted out. Technically, there are 15 pitchers in camp, but Tim Wood (sore shoulder), Rafael Perez (shoulder surgery) and Rich Harden (major shoulder surgery) are all injured.
That leaves a bullpen of lefthanders Glen Perkins, Brian Duensing and Tyler Robertson and righthanders Jared Burton, Josh Roenicke, Ryan Pressly and Casey Fien. Pressly is a Rule 5 draftee.
When asked if Robertson, who has struggled some this spring, had made the team, Ryan would only say: "We can go either way with that. As you know, we haven't announced anything yet. No one has made the team because you never know when injuries enter the equation. He's still here and is in a good position.''
