Paulsen batted just .230 with a 20.3 percent strikeout rate in 74 at-bats with Triple-A Rochester, so the Twins decided to cut ties with him in order to make room for the higher-upside prospects in their system. Despite being kicked out of the organization, the 29-year-old does have a decent bit of MLB service time to his name, so he could find a new job fairly soon with an organization needing depth in the corner outfield or at first base.

Paulsen was hoping to catch on with some reserve at-bats at first base, outfield and designated hitter, but Minnesota instead will stash him at Triple-A Rochester. Don't be surprised if the lefty bat gets a chance in the bigs during the 2017 season. AL-only fantasy players can keep him on their watch lists.

Paulsen was hoping to catch on with some reserve at-bats at first base, outfield and designated hitter, but Minnesota instead will stash him at Triple-A Rochester. Don't be surprised if the lefty bat gets a chance in the bigs during the 2017 season. AL-only fantasy players can keep him on their watchlists.

Paulsen was hoping to catch on with some reserve at-bats at first base, outfield and designated hitter, but Minnesota instead will stash him at Triple-A Rochester. Byungho Park, who was also sent to the minors, will likely be the first slugger to get the call if the Twins need someone behind Joe Mauer and Kennys Vargas.

Paulsen missed some time after being kicked in the calf in a spring training game last week, but looks fine for the regular season. Paulsen hit just .217/.258/.304 for the Rockies last season. He spent most of his time at Triple-A Albuquerque where he hit .278 with a .765 OPS. He may spend most of his season at Triple-A again this year and provide depth.

Paulsen had to be helped off the field after suffering the lower leg injury, but luckily it doesn't appear to be anything serious. It's still unknown how long he'll be held out for, so consider him day-to-day until the Twins note otherwise.