Twins Trade for Pitcher

The Minnesota Twins announced on Thursday afternoon (December 8) that they have acquired right-handed pitcher Justin Haley from the San Diego Padres. The action all took place as part of the Rule 5 draft.

For those unfamiliar with the Rule 5 draft, it is a special draft that takes place in December that consists of players who have been playing in the minor leagues for one team, but who could make the starting roster for another team.

The Twins actually traded their own Rule 5 draft pick, right-handed pitcher Miguel Diaz, who they took with the first pick in the draft. Along with Haley, the Twins will also get another player or cash in the deal.

Haley spent time with both double-A Portsmouth and triple-A Pawtucket, garnering a combined record of 13-10, with a 3.01 ERA. He pitched 146 innings and had 126 strikeouts. He has worked mainly as a starting pitcher in the minor leagues, but the Twins could also opt to use him as a long reliever.