The Vance Worley Era is over in Minnesota.
The Twins announced Tuesday that they traded Worley to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for cash. Specific terms were not released.
Worley, a 26-year-old right-hander, entered spring training in a battle for the Twins' fifth spot in the starting rotation. But after a disastrous camp, Worley pitched himself out of that competition. He was eventually placed on waivers. After he went unclaimed, Minnesota optioned him to Triple-A Rochester on Friday.
Minnesota originally acquired Worley prior to the 2013 season in a trade with the Philadelphia Phillies. The Twins sent outfielder Ben Revere to Philadelphia in exchange for Worley and minor league right-hander Trevor May. Worley was Minnesota's Opening Day starter last year but was 1-5 with a 7.21 ERA in 10 starts before he was sent to Rochester.
In four games (three starts) this spring with the Twins, Worley was 0-1 with a 13.50 ERA after allowing 16 runs in 10 2/3 innings. Worley was a third-round pick of the Phillies back in 2008 and finished third in the National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2011.
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