Twins signed SS Jason Bartlett to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Bartlett last played in the majors in 2012, when he hit just .133/.240/.193 in 98 plate appearances with the Padres. He is doubtful to crack the Twins' roster.

The Padres have requested unconditional release waivers on Jason Bartlett. Bartlett hasn't played since May 14 due to a strained right knee. The Padres will be on the hook for the remainder of his contract, which includes a $1.5 million buyout on his $5.5 million club option for 2013.

John Maffei of the North County Times writes that Jason Bartlett "has likely played his last game for the Padres." Bartlett, who is out with a strained right knee, was transferred to the 60-day disabled list Thursday and can't return until mid-July. The Padres might cut him loose before then, though, as they're wanting to go younger at shortstop. Bartlett is making $5.5 million this season, and the Padres have a $5.5 million option on him for 2013 that contains a $1.5 million buyout.

Dan Hayes of the North County Times writes that the Padres have "made it clear the shortstop position is (Everth) Cabrera's to win." Jason Bartlett (knee) was placed on the DL Thursday, and he'll likely slide into a backup role when he returns or possibly follow Orland Hudson to the unemployment line. "It wasn't working here," general manager Josh Byrnes said. "(The move) wasn't motivated by money, it was motivated by trying someone new to see if we can get better performance. Obviously our record is not what we want. This particular move is to see if these guys can give us a shot in the arm. Jason understands these guys are coming up and there's no guarantee of a job waiting on the other side. That's just the way we're set up now."

Jason Bartlett was scratched from Friday's lineup against the Phillies due to a stomach virus. Cameron Maybin was also scratched, so there's evidently something going around the Padres' clubhouse. Andy Parrino will start in his place and bat eighth against right-hander Vance Worley.

Jason Bartlett went 2-for-3 with an RBI single and a two-run homer Thursday against the Cubs. The light-hitting shortstop took Cubs starter Chris Volstad deep in his first at-bats. Bartlett is batting .297 this spring with four extra-base hits. He'll bring some fantasy value to the table this year with his ability to swipe a bag, but he won't do much else.

Jason Bartlett (knee) will make his Cactus League debut Saturday against the Indians.

Corey Brock of MLB.com reports that the Padres will begin the season with both Jason Bartlett and Orlando Hudson. The Padres would like to deal either, but both players are unattractive given their contracts. Bartlett will make $5.5 million in 2012, with a $5.5 million option (or $1.5 million buyout) for 2013 that becomes guaranteed if he has 432 plate appearances this season. Hudson is set to earn $5.5 million in 2012, with the team having an $8 million option (or $2 million buyout) for 2013. Bartlett hit .245/.308/.307 with two homers and 23 steals over 554 at-bats for the Padres this past season.

Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com reports that teams are hesitant to trade for Padres shortstop Jason Bartlett because his $5.5 million option for 2013 becomes guaranteed if he has 432 plate appearances in 2012. No surprise that that's a deterrent. The Padres would like to deal either Bartlett or Orlando Hudson, but neither player is particularly attractive given their contracts. Bartlett hit .245/.308/.307 with two homers and 23 steals over 554 at-bats for the Padres this past season.

Dan Hayes of the North County Times considers it more likely that the Padres will trade Jason Bartlett than Orlando Hudson. They'd probably prefer to deal Hudson, but his contract makes it difficult and there figures to be a bigger market for Bartlett given the lack of quality shortstops available. Bartlett will make $5.5 million next season, with the Padres having a $5.5 million option (or $1.5 million buyout) for 2013. Hudson is set to earn $5.5 million in 2012, with the team having an $8 million option (or $2 million buyout) for 2013.