Twins will decline option on reliever Matt Capps

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Minnesota Twins say they will decline their $6 million contract option on right-handed reliever Matt Capps, which will make him eligible for free agency.

The Twins said Wednesday they told Capps they'll pay him a $250,000 buyout instead of bringing him back. Capps had 45 saves over 2 1/2 seasons in Minnesota but pitched only four innings after June 15 this year due to shoulder trouble.

The Twins also removed seven players from their 40-man roster: right-handers Jeff Manship, Luis Perdomo, Esmerling Vasquez, Kyle Waldrop and P.J. Walters and outfielder Matt Carson. Right-hander Carlos Gutierrez was claimed on waivers by the Chicago Cubs. The Twins reinstated right-handers Scott Baker, Cole De Vries and Carl Pavano from the disabled list, which counts them against the 40-man roster, leaving five open spots.

Updated October 24, 2012