The Twins waited until Tuesday to announce that righthander Boof Bonser has been designated for release or assignment, a move to create space on the roster for righthander Carl Pavano.

Bonser missed all of last season following right shoulder surgery during spring training. He recovered quickly enough for him to contemplate an attempt to pitch in September when the Twins made a late run to the postseason. The Twins decided against that.

With a crowded field fighting for spots on the 2010 pitching staff, someone was expendable. And it certainly helps a team whose 2010 payroll is climbing toward $90 million. 

Bonser was 3-7 with a 5.93 ERA in 2008 and 18-25, 5.12 in 163 games with the Twins. He arrived with Joe Nathan and Francisco Liriano in exchange for catcher A.J. Pierzynski in 2003.

The Twins might not be done moving pitchers from their roster. Lefthander Glen Perkins could be traded, and righthander Jesse Crain could be no-tendered by Saturday’s deadline.Â

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 8th, 2009 at 2:41 pm and is filed under Breaking news. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.