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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