Minnesota Twins News: David Murphy and Loek van Mil Released
Minnesota Twins have released David Murphy and Loek van Mil
The Minnesota Twins have parted ways with outfielder David Murphy and reliever Loek van Mil.
OF David Murphy exercised the out in his contract and is a free agent. Twins also released RHP Loek van Mil, who was at AAA Rochester.
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) April 25, 2016
Van Mil released, 6-9 Alex Meyer called up to Twins. Rochester's rebounding & interior defense took a big hit today. https://t.co/z3QEHYmnl3
— Phil Miller (@MillerStrib) April 25, 2016
David Murphy was signed to a minor league deal with an opt out a few weeks ago when the Twins were hit with the news of Danny Santana being injured and poor performances from all their outfielders.
The hope, from Murphy’s, perspective was to carve out a 4th outfielder role for himself if the Twins weren’t able to find any answers.
The Twins did see some improvement from their outfielders and Santana was on the disabled list for the minimum amount of time. Santana was placed back on the active roster earlier today so David Murphy no longer had an avenue to a spot in the majors.
Max Kepler and Byron Buxton were optioned to AAA today as well and they both need regular playing time. So, even if Murphy had decided to remain with Rochester for the time being, his at-bats would have been very restricted with a crowded AAA outfield.
With no prospects currently remaining for Murphy with the Twins organization, he asked for an early release from his minor league deal. The Twins assented since they’d only be able to keep him until May 1 and there would be negligible benefit.
The massive, NBA center-sized Loek van Mil was also released by the Twins. Van Mil was having a terrible stint with the Red Wings this season. In 5.1 innings, he allowed 14 earned runs and 23 walks/hits. It added up to a dreadful 23.62 ERA and 4.312 WHIP.
Van Mil was in the Twins organization last year as well and had re-signed for the 2016 season. The Twins just have too many excellent relievers waiting for a chance. Keeping a spot warm for Van Mil and hoping something will materialize with him just no longer makes sense with his struggles.