Twins release Joel Zumaya ahead of Tommy John surgery, must pay entire $850,000 salary

[Big Bid'Ness]

From:hardballtalk

Joel Zumaya is scheduled to undergo Tommy John elbow surgery tomorrow, but he won’t do so as an official member of the Twins after Minnesota released the oft-injured right-hander this morning.

Minnesota could have simply transferred him to the 60-day disabled list and cleared the 40-man roster spot that way, which is generally more common than outright releasing an injured player.

Either way, as part of his partially guaranteed one-year deal Zumaya will get $400,000 and has said he plans to continue pitching. He looked healthy this spring before walking off the field with a torn elbow ligament following an early batting practice session, so the best-case scenario for Zumaya likely involves searching for minor-league deals next February or March.

UPDATE: Phil Mackey of 1500ESPN.com reports that, contrary to what was previously believed, the Twins are “on the hook” for Zumaya’s entire $850,000 salary because the injury occurred before the season, which would seem to go against the entire point of not guaranteeing his deal.

 

[RipCity32]

He plans to continue pitching? lmao.

 

[cruzg24]

Man I wish I could get paid $850,000 to do nothing...

 

[Lake Louise]

I say he gets the surgery, a team signs him. Then, he just plans on getting "injured" on purpose now. As long as he gets the money, why not? lol

 

[elcheato]

Because surgery and rehab is not fun.

 

[Pugz]

a rich ass bum, for sure.