It appears the Twins won't carry three catchers after all.
Minnesota optioned catcher Drew Butera to Triple-A Rochester on Saturday as the Twins' roster continues to be trimmed leading up to Opening Day on Friday. Minnesota also reassigned infielder Michael Hollimon to the minor league camp and placed right-handed pitcher Kyle Waldrop (elbow strain) on the 15-day disabled list.
Butera was on the Twins' major league roster the past two seasons as the backup to Joe Mauer. With Mauer sidelined with injuries numerous times in 2011, Butera ended up playing in 93 games. While a solid defensive catcher, Butera struggled mightily at the plate, hitting just .167 last season with 23 RBI and two home runs.
With Butera, 28, optioned to Rochester, the Twins will break camp with Mauer and Ryan Doumit as their two catchers. Doumit -- whom the Twins signed this offseason as a free agent -- is versatile enough to play the outfield, first base or designated hitter when he's not catching.
Following Saturday's roster cuts, the Twins have 31 players remaining in camp. They'll open the regular season Friday at Baltimore.
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