Minnesota Twins

Twins send ByungHo Park to minors despite strong spring

Published Mar. 30, 2017 2:57 p.m. ET

Korean designated hitter ByungHo Park hit a team-leading six home runs in spring training.

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- The Minnesota Twins have made slugger ByungHo Park one of their final roster cuts despite a strong performance at the plate throughout spring training.

Park was among six players reassigned to minor league camp on Thursday before the Twins traveled to Port Charlotte, Florida, for an exhibition game against Tampa Bay. With Kennys Vargas (left foot) injured, backup outfielder Robbie Grossman is slated for now as the primary designated hitter.

Catcher John Ryan Murphy was also optioned to Triple-A Rochester, and utility infielder Ehire Adrianza (right oblique strain) and left-handed reliever Ryan O'Rourke (left forearm strain) were placed on the 10-day disabled list.

Park hit .353 with a team-high six home runs and 13 RBIs in 19 spring games.

The Twins also chose rookie Adalberto Mejia as the fifth starter.