Twins claim left-handed reliever Randy Flores off waivers
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The Minnesota Twins claimed left-handed reliever Randy Flores off waivers from the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday.
To make room on the 40-man roster, Ron Mahay (shoulder) was placed on the 60-day disabled list.
Flores, 35, has respectable career numbers against left-handed hitters -- .267 batting average against., 4.19 FIP, 1.39 WHIP, 7.8 K/9, 3.3 BB/9, 37% grounders -- but his numbers in recent years are less inspiring:
2010 vs. lefties: .210 avg., 5.83 FIP, 1.16 WHIP, 6.14 K/9, 3.7 BB/9, 31% grounders
2009 vs. lefties: .277 avg., 2.14 FIP, 1.20 WHIP, 13.0 K/9, 1.1 BB/9, 43% grounders
2008 vs. lefties: .309 avg., 6.37 FIP, 2.13 WHIP, 6.4 K/9, 7.8 BB/9, 43% grounders
2007 vs. lefties: .333 avg., 3.69 FIP, 1.73 WHIP, 6.1 K/9, 2.9 BB/9, 32% grounders
The addition of a left-handed reliever does fill a hole for the bullpen, but by comparison, the Twins have a couple right-handed relievers who might be better options against left-handed hitters.
Flores was one of three left-handed relievers who reportedly cleared waivers. The other two were Brian Tallet (Blue Jays) and George Sherrill (Dodgers).
