Jared

Burton

Burton earned an Opening Day roster spot with a 1.64 ERA in 11 spring appearances. He dealt with injuries the last couple years in Cincinnati but has a chance to be a solid middle reliever in Minnesota if he can remain healthy.

A solid, no-risk move from Minnesota. Burton appeared in only six games for the Reds this season after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his shoulder, but he holds a 3.41 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 164 games at the major league level. If he shows he’s healthy, he has a good shot to earn a bullpen spot in spring training.

The move clears him from the 40-man roster. Burton, 30, has made just 10 appearances in the majors over the past two seasons due to a multitude of injuries, including shoulder surgery this past April.

Burton was outrighted off the Reds’ 40-man roster on Monday. The 30-year-old right-hander has made just 10 appearances in the majors over the past two seasons and will likely have to accept a minor league deal this winter.

Burton struck out a batter and walked another. It was his first save since June 25. Glen Perkins set him up with a three-punch-out eighth. Perkins and Burton will continue to share closing duties with Matt Capps on the disabled list into August. As such, the resurgent reliever with a 2.41 ERA is useable in most formats for now, especially if an owner is desperate for saves. Keep in mind that Minnesota wouldn’t be averse to trading the reliever if they get an acceptable offer within the next two weeks.

Capps just returned from the 15-day disabled list but may need to go back. The Twins will continue to give save chances to Glen Perkins and Jared Burton. Capps can no longer be considered a valuable trade chip for the Minnesota front office.

Capps was placed on the disabled list Monday due to right shoulder tendinitis. While he will miss at least two weeks, he expressed relief that an MRI didn’t show anything serious. Glen Perkins and Jared Burton are expecting to hold down the closer role during his absence.

He allowed a one-out walk to A.J. Pierzynski but then got a couple flyouts to end it. Glen Perkins pitched the eighth inning before Twins manager Ron Gardenhire turned it over to Burton with the Sox having a couple right-handed batters due up. If Gardy sticks to the matchups, Burton should have a leg up over Perkins for save chances in Minny.

Capps has been battling shoulder discomfort for a couple of weeks and felt significant pain after making an appearance in Saturday’s loss to the Reds. There is no timetable for his return. Glen Perkins and Jared Burton are likely to handle save opportunities in his absence.

Glen Perkins and Jared Burton have fared pretty well since Capps went on the disabled list last month, converting 6-of-7 save chances. They’ll continue to be used in the ninth inning while Capps knocks the rust off, but the Twins no doubt hope Capps can settle back into his old role quickly and build up his trade value.