Former Minnesota Twins Infielder Luke Hughes Plucked Off Waivers By Oakland

Expendable after the Minnesota Twins opted to open a roster spot for pitcher Jason Marquis, utility infielder Luke Hughes was finally claimed off waivers, and will now be headed to Oakland. The Star Tribune's LaVelle E. Neal III broke the news in the early innings of Minnesota's game with Tampa Bay on Sunday.

Luke Hughes - claimed off waivers by Oakland.

— LaVelle E. Neal III (@LaVelleNeal) April 22, 2012

Hughes batted .223 with seven home runs for the Twins last season, and had collected two hits with a pair of RBI to open up the 2012 campaign. The 27-year-old Hughes was eventually edged out for consistent playing time by veteran infielder Jamey Carroll and youngster Alexi Casilla, and did not factor into the team's long term plans. Marquis, the man who effectively took Hughes' roster spot, is expected to start on Monday against the Boston Red Sox.

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Luke Hughes Designated For Assignment To Make Room For Jason Marquis

The Minnesota Twins have designated second baseman Luke Hughes for assignment in order to open up a roster spot for starting pitcher Jason Marquis, according to Tom Pellisero of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.

Hughes, who has appeared in four games this season, is out of minor-league options. So, he would have to clear waivers before the Twins could send him to triple-A Rochester.

Marquis, who signed with the Twins for one year and $3 million, is set to make his season debut on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium against the New York Yankees. The 12-year veteran has a career-record of 104-98 and an ERA of 4.55.

This season, Hughes was 2-for-10 with four strikeouts and two RBI. He has played in 102 games over the past three seasons for the Twins.

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