Esmerling

Vasquez

The Twins claimed Vasquez off waivers from Arizona the day before the end of the 2011 regular season. But they cut the righty on Thursday to clear a 40-man roster spot for the addition of outfielder Darin Mastroianni.

The Twins designated Vasquez for assignment last week to clear a roster spot for new outfielder Darin Mastroianni. The 28-year-old reliever has been invited back to compete for a bullpen job in camp this spring.

Vasquez walked three and struck out two on the afternoon. Tony Abreu was responsible for most of the damage against him, lining a two-run single to right in the third inning, and adding an RBI single to center in the sixth that stood as the game-winner. With the Twins completely devoid of quality options in the rotation, he may get another chance to start before the season is over.

Vasquez has made 141 major league appearances, but this will be his first in a starting role. The right-hander has made eight of 31 appearances at Triple-A Rochester this season as a starter and boasts a 2.78 ERA and 98 strikeouts over 100 1/3 innings.

Vasquez, 28, was posting a 2.78 ERA in the minors and will be used as bullpen depth. He hasn’t appeared with the Twins since being claimed off waivers last September.

Vasquez posted a rough 5.68 ERA, 1.61 WHIP and 14/19 K/BB ratio in 31 2/3 innings this year with the Twins. He’s doubtful to win an Opening Day bullpen job for 2013.

He struck out one. Vazquez certainly didn’t pitch that well, but he was in line for his first win of the season before the bullpen blew it. The 27-year-old finishes the season with an ugly 5.68 ERA and 1.61 WHIP over six starts for the Twins.

Another instance of the Twins trimming the fat from their 40-man roster. Vasquez, 28, appeared in six games with the big club this season and posted a 2.78 ERA and 98/39 K/BB ratio over 100 1/3 innings.

He struck out four in the game, but also struggled with his command. He issued four walks on the night, including one to Dayan Viciedo with the bases loaded in the fourth inning. With the news that Cole De Vries has been shut down for the season, Vasquez will stick in the rotation for the remainder of the season. He’ll take an 0-2 record and 7.53 ERA into Thursday’s start against the Indians in Cleveland.

The move was made in order to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for the newly acquired Mike Zagurski. Vasquez posted a 4.15 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 30-plus innings of relief this season for Arizona and stands a good chance of clearing waivers and remaining in the organization.