MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -Infielder Jeff Cirillo was claimed by the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday after he was placed on waivers by the Minnesota Twins.
The Twins also reinstated right fielder Michael Cuddyer from the 15-day disabled list before their game against the Cleveland Indians. Cuddyer was out because of a bruised right thumb, and he will wear a protective sleeve while running the bases.
Teams frequently send players through the waiver system in August, but they can pull them back if another club puts in a claim. Since the Twins needed to free a roster spot for Cuddyer, general manager Terry Ryan decided to allow Arizona to claim Cirillo without worrying about compensation in a trade.
The 37-year-old Cirillo left the Milwaukee Brewers, his original team, this winter for a $1.5 million, one-year contract and the prospect of more playing time.
He was bothered this spring by a medial meniscus cartilage tear in his left knee, though, and had trouble finding a comfort zone after spending about a month on the disabled list at the beginning of the season. Cirillo played mostly at third base and designated hitter, but rookie Brian Buscher and the recently activated Rondell White have been receiving the most at-bats at those spots.
Cirillo, a two-time All-Star who has also spent time in his career with the Colorado Rockies, Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres, was batting .261 with nine doubles, two triples, two homers and 21 RBIs in 153 at-bats. Cirillo will join an Arizona team that recently moved into first place in the NL West and play for manager Bob Melvin, whom he played for with the Mariners.
“It kind of works for a lot of people,” Ryan said.
Cuddyer got hurt when he hit his hand on second base while trying to break up a double play in a game against the Detroit Tigers on July 18. He’s been one of the team’s few reliable hitters this year, not as productive as he was in his breakout last season but still an important part of the lineup.
Cuddyer was batting .289 with 10 home runs and 56 RBIs at the time of the injury.
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