Clete Thomas was designated for assignment by the Detroit Tigers earlier this week to make room on their roster for Drew Smyly, giving the Tigers 10 days to either place him back on the 40-man roster, place him on waivers, trade him or release him outright. The Tigers placed Thomas on waivers and he has been claimed by their Central Division rival Minnesota Twins, according to Detroit Tigers beat writer Jason Beck.
Thomas, 28, could never find a way to consistently crack the Tigers' crowded outfield since making his MLB debut in 2008. In three seasons with the Tigers, he received 443 plate appearances and had a hitting line of .253/.336/.728. Thomas has a strong arm and some speed on the base paths.
Twins head coach Ron Gardenhire has said that he has always like Thomas.
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