Report: Twins place improved Morneau on waivers

MINNEAPOLIS -- Twins first baseman Justin Morneau, who was the subject of several trade rumors before the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline, was reportedly placed on revocable waivers Monday.

Twins general manager Terry Ryan, however, wouldn't confirm that Morneau was placed on waivers, as the process is supposed to be confidential. But the waiver deadline for Morneau reportedly expires at noon CT on Wednesday, and Morneau must be offered to the other 29 teams in the reverse order of the current standings. MLB Network's Peter Gammons first reported the news.

If Morneau is claimed by a team, the two clubs have 48 hours to work out a deal. But the Twins also could decide to let the claiming team take Morneau and the rest of his 2013 salary without a return, or pull him back off waivers, which means he wouldn't be able to be traded to any team.

But if Morneau, who is making $14 million this season in the last year of his six-year, $80 million contract, clears waivers and isn't claimed by another club, the Twins are free to trade him to any team this season.

Morneau, 32, has turned it around in August after struggling in July. He enters Tuesday's game against Cleveland hitting .269 with six homers, three doubles and 14 RBIs in 12 games this month.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said he heard reports about Morneau being on waivers and doesn't think it will affect his performance.

"It just gets out there," Gardenhire said. "There's so many people getting run through waivers now. It's just part of the year here. We understand that this was probably going to happen. It happens to pretty much all our players and everybody else's players. Hopefully, he'll keep moving forward. He's playing good and feeling good, so hopefully he'll go from there."