In the first inning of Friday’s game against the Angels, the Minnesota Twins plan to use Clemens as a backup for first and second base, though he is also capable of playing third base and both corner outfield spots in the majors.
Twins manager Rocco Baldelli noted, “We can move him around the field and ask him to do a lot of different things. I’ve seen him do it with other teams before, and that’s how we’ll be using him now.”
Clemens spent 2022 with the Tigers, playing 56 games, and has spent part of the last two seasons with the Phillies. This year, however, he had limited playing time with Philadelphia and went hitless in six at-bats.
“I had a great spring, but didn’t get much of a chance to play,” Clemens said. “I understand the roster situation there, and I’m just really excited about this new opportunity.”
Phillies manager Rob Thomson sent Clemens a text on Saturday, wishing him well. “It’s unfortunate we couldn’t give him more of a shot here,” Thomson remarked. “It just wasn’t a good fit, but he’s a solid player, a great teammate, and an even better person.”
Clemens has a career batting average of .197 with a .611 OPS and 14 home runs in 402 plate appearances.