The Minnesota Twins designated infielder Luke Hughes for assignment Wednesday in order to free up a roster spot for pitcher Jason Marquis.
Marquis began the season in Double-A New Britain as he worked to build up arm strength after missing time during spring training due to a family emergency. Signed as a free agent by Minnesota this offseason, Marquis is scheduled to make his Twins debut Wednesday night against the New York Yankees.
Hughes, 27, was out of minor league options, meaning he'll have to clear waivers to remain with the Twins. But given his versatility, there's a good chance another team will claim Hughes off waivers. If he does pass through waivers, Hughes will be sent to Triple-A Rochester.
After appearing in 96 games last season for the Twins, he played in just four games (10 at-bats) in Minnesota's first 11 games of the 2012 season. But during that time, Hughes played first, second and third base. He collected two RBI on two hits this year. Last season, Hughes batted .223 with 30 RBI and seven home runs in 287 at-bats.
Marquis, 33, has spent 12 seasons in the majors. The Twins are his seventh big league team during that time. In his two starts with New Britain this spring, Marquis was 1-0 with a 1.93 ERA, striking out 11 batters while not allowing a walk in 14 innings.
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