Pat Neshek did his own reporting on this one.
According to the sidearming right-hander’s Twitter account, the Twins put Neshek on outright waivers Sunday and he was quickly claimed by the Padres.
The 30-year-old was a highly reliable setup man for Minnesota from 2006-2007, boasting a 2.68 ERA and a 127/33 K/BB ratio over 107-plus innings, but he underwent Tommy John surgery in November of 2008 and wasn’t able to climb back up the depth chart.
Neshek had a minor league option left, but the Twins opted to remove him from the 40-man roster and give him a fresh start elsewhere. Twins general manager Bill Smith called it a “good opportunity for him,” according to new MLB.com beat writer Rhett Bollinger.
Because of the spacious confines of PETCO Park, San Diego can be a wonderful place for pitchers who are looking for a career turnaround. Neshek should do well in a middle relief role if he can stay healthy.
