Minnesota Twins Opening Day roster has 3 interesting surprises

Jeff Hoffman misses the cut

Rather than someone who made the roster, this one is a little bit of s surprising release. Back at the beginning of Spring Training it was reported that Jeff Hoffman was expected to make the Opening day roster after signing a minor league deal with the Twins.

"Right-hander Jeff Hoffman and the Minnesota Twins are in agreement on a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to spring training. Hoffman has a very good chance of making the Opening Day roster, according to a source," MLB insider Robert Murray reported back in February.

Turns out that's not going to happen.

When Hoffman was signed at the start of camp, it was understood that he'd be able to ask for a release if he didn't earn the long relief role he was competing for. With Cole Sands seemingly having won that battle, Hoffman exercised that option to leave the Twins.

Hoffman was granted a release on Tuesday, ending his tenure with the Twins before it really had a chance to begin. For his part, Hoffman was solid in Spring Training and finished the month having only allowed a pair of runs on two hits and three walks with eight strikeouts. That all came in five innings of work but wasn't enough to edge out any of the other players in the bullpen for a spot on the 26-man roster.

Danny Coulombe was also a victim of late camp cuts. Similarly to Hoffman, Coulombe turned in a fine spring performance but has seemingly been bumped out of a spot in the bullpen by Jovani Moran and the aforementioned Sands.