The Twins have claimed 24-year old lefty swinging outfielder Erik Komatsu off waivers from the Cardinals. Komatsu played in 15 games for the Cardinals this year and he was 4 for 19 (.211 avg, .496 OPS) with 3 runs scored. He played in 124 games in AA-ball for the Brewers & Nationals last year and he was 124 of 448 (.277 avg, .749 OPS) with 60 runs scored, 7 homers, 48 RBIs and 21 stolen bases. The Twins will have to keep Komatsu on the active roster for the rest of the year (unless he goes on the D.L.), or they will have to offer him back to the Nationals as he was selected in the Rule 5 Draft by the Cardinals over the winter.

The Twins have designated 28-year old lefty swinging outfielder Clete Thomas for assignment. Thomas played in 12 games for the Twins this year and he was 4 for 28 (.143 avg, .458 OPS) with 2 runs scored, 1 homer and 4 RBIs. He has now played in 157 games in his first three years in the majors and he is 103 for 419 (.246 avg, .710 OPS) with 56 runs scored, 9 homers, 52 RBIs and 5 stolen bases. The Twins needed Thomas’ roster spot for Erik Komatsu who has been claimed off waivers from the Cardinals.

UPDATE: (5/6/2012) - Clete Thomas has cleared waivers and he has accepted an outright assignment to AAA.