Game 31: Butera, optioned, Twins lineup vs. Pirates

FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Twins made another round of roster moves this morning, optioning catcher Drew Butera to Triple-A Rochester, sending right-hander Kyle Waldrop to the 15-day disabled list and reassigning Michael Hollimon to Minor League camp.

The big news is the decision to send Butera to Triple-A, which means the Twins will keep two catchers on their roster — Joe Mauer and Ryan Doumit. Butera saw plenty of action with the Twins over the last two seasons as a backup catcher, but struggled to hit big league pitching, hitting just .178 with 21 extra-base hits in 376 at-bats.

It also bodes well for Chris Parmelee because the move also means that Justin Morneau is almost a lock to start the season as designated hitter. Because if the Twins wanted to make Doumit their primary DH, they would need to carry a third catcher.

Waldrop, meanwhile, was placed on the DL retroactive to March 26 with a right elbow strain. He’ll be eligible to come off the DL on April 12.

Hollimon had himself a nice spring at the plate, hitting .360, but also made some mistakes in the field. But he’ll add depth to Triple-A Rochester, and could be their starting third baseman.

The Twins now have 31 active players in camp: 15 pitchers (two non-roster), three catchers (one non-roster), eight infielders (two non-roster), and five outfielders (one non-roster).

Twins (17-13)
1. Denard Span, CF
2. Trevor Plouffe, 2B
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Justin Morneau, DH
5. Josh Willingham, LF
6. Ryan Doumit, RF
7. Danny Valencia, 3B
8. Chris Parmelee, 1B
9. Brian Dozier, SS

RHP Anthony Swarzak

Twins reserves: Brian Dinkelman, Ben Revere, J.R. Towles, Sean Burroughs, Jamey Carroll, Luke Hughes, Alexi Casilla

Twins pitchers: Matt Capps, Glen Perkins, Esmerling Vasquez, Caleb Thielbar, Bruce Bugh, Luis Perdomo

Follow @RhettBollinger