A year ago, Kevin Jepsen took over as closer for the Twins down the stretch and helped keep the club in contention for a wild-card berth until the final weekend of the regular season. On Monday, the Twins released the 31-year-old reliever eight days after designating him for assignment.
The Twins attempted to deal the righthander but were unable to find a trade partner. Jepsen is expected to land with another club.
Jepsen is free to sign with any team, and the Twins will be responsible for the remainder of his $5.3 million salary.
Jepsen posted a 1.61 ERA in 29 appearances for the Twins last season after being acquired in a July 31 deal from the Rays. Tampa Bay received Chih-Wei Hu, a 22-year-old righthander from Taiwan who pitched a perfect inning of relief, striking out two, for the World team in Sunday's All-Star Futures Game in San Diego.
This season, Jepsen was 2-5 with a 6.16 ERA and seven saves in 11 chances in 33 appearances for the Twins before being designated for assignment July 3. He has a 3.83 ERA in 423 career appearances over nine seasons with the Angels, Rays and Twins.
La VELLE E. NEAL III
