Twins retain LHP Scott Diamond, trade RHP Billy Bullock to Braves

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Left-hander Scott Diamond's status is no longer in limbo.

The Minnesota Twins have retained the Rule-5 draftee in a trade that sent right-hander Billy Bullock to the Atlanta Braves.

Diamond's status with the Twins was in limbo over the last few days. Manager Ron Gardenhire made it clear that Diamond -- who missed two weeks with a blister on his thumb -- was not yet ready to be placed on the 25-man roster.

By not placing Diamond on the 25-man roster, the Twins had to send him through waivers before being allowed to swing a trade with Atlanta.

Bullock, the Twins' second-round draft pick in 2009, posted a 3.53 ERA with 105 strikeouts and 43 walks in 74 innings between High-A and Double-A last season.

Bullock -- a 6-6 power righty with a mid-90's fastball -- was widely viewed as one of the Twins' top 10 to 15 prospects.

Phil Mackey is a columnist for 1500ESPN.com. He co-hosts "Reusse & Mackey" weekdays from 4 to 6pm on 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
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