MINNEAPOLIS -- The Twins cleared space on their 40-man roster on Monday, outrighting infielder James Beresford, outfielder Logan Schafer and left-handers Tommy Milone, Pat Dean and Andrew Albers to Triple-A Rochester.
With right-hander Phil Hughes, closer Glen Perkins and utility man Danny Santana set to rejoin the roster after ending the season on the 60-day disabled list, it leaves two open spots on Minnesota's 40-man roster. Interim general manager Rob Antony made the decisions, as newly hired chief baseball officer Derek Falvey will remain with the Indians until their postseason run concludes.
Milone, a six-year Major League veteran, is the most prominent to be outrighted and was due for a raise via arbitration. But the 29-year-old struggled in 2016, posting a 5.71 ERA in 19 appearances (12 starts). Milone, who dealt with biceps tendinitis during the season, has a career 4.14 ERA in 688 1/3 innings. It's his second outright, so he can choose free agency.
Schafer is also eligible to elect free agency and played in 26 games for Minnesota down the stretch after having his contract purchased from Triple-A Rochester. The 30-year-old hit .238/.342/.317 with three doubles, a triple and drove in a run while seeing action in all three outfield spots.
Beresford, 27, was a feel-good story for the Twins, as he made his debut as a September callup after 10 years and more than 1,000 games in the Minors. The Australia native hit .227/.261/.273 with a double in 10 games.
Dean, 27, went 1-6 with a 6.28 ERA in 19 appearances, including nine starts. He's had success in the Minors with a career 4.12 ERA, including a 3.50 ERA in 49 starts at Triple-A.
Albers had a second stint with the Twins after his memorable rookie season in 2013, but posted a 5.82 ERA in six appearances, including two starts. The 31-year-old has a career 4.41 ERA in 79 2/3 innings in the Majors.