Jason Bartlett's comeback attempt apparently will be successful, with the veteran infielder likely landing a spot on the Twins' Opening Day roster. The roster appears set after these moves: Scott Diamond cleared waivers Thursday, Alex Presley was claimed on waivers by Houston and Chris Parmelee has cleared waivers and been outrighted to AAA Rochester.
In addition, non-roster catcher Dan Rohlfing will likely be reassigned to the minors. But with just two catchers on the roster – starter Kurt Suzuki and rookie Josmil Pinto – Rohlfing remains in camp.
Diamond has 24 hours to decide between free agency or a minor-league demotion. He said he has not yet decided which course to take. Parmelee does not have the right to opt for free agency because this is the first time he has been waived while on the 40-man roster.
Diamond and Parmelee both can take no more than a 40 percent pay cut from what they earned a year ago, while spending time on the major league roster. That means if both wind up at Rochester, Diamond will earn $282,500 and Parmelee $242,200.
The cuts mean Bartlett, who last played in the majors in 2012, and fellow utility infielder Eduardo Escobar will also serve as backup outfielders now that Presley is gone. Chris Collabelo and Jason Kubel have also apparently made the team.
