That didn't last long. The Padres designated ex-Twin Josmil Pinto for assignment today. Where will he wind up? Should the Twins be interested in him? I wonder if the Pads are trying to sneak him through now while most teams have full rosters so that they can outright him to AAA. He was claimed before he was outrighted by the Twins, so San Diego can outright him, I believe.

I really hate this practice in baseball. At least they're doing it during the offseason in this situation.

 

That didn't last long. The Padres designated ex-Twin Josmil Pinto for assignment today. Where will he wind up? Should the Twins be interested in him? I wonder if the Pads are trying to sneak him through now while most teams have full rosters so that they can outright him to AAA. He was claimed before he was outrighted by the Twins, so San Diego can outright him, I believe.

Rumor has it that Pinto answered the phone when he was in the Padres GM's office, but it wasn't ringing.

I know concussions are no joke, and I seriously wish Pinto the best, but I needed to lighten the mood.

Yeah, that's not funny.

 

My guess is that he goes unclaimed. I would assume he would elect free agency, at this point, rather than accept the outright assignment.

Yeah, that's not funny.

 

My guess is that he goes unclaimed. I would assume he would elect free agency, at this point, rather than accept the outright assignment.

Pinto has never been outrighted before, so he can't refuse it.

 

Pinto has never been outrighted before, so he can't refuse it.

That's the way I understand it, as well.

The above posters have it correct.  Players can only opt for free agency the 2nd time they are outrighted (unless they have 3 years of MLB experience or are a super 2)

 

The CBA:  http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/pdf/cba_english.pdf

 

See section XX-D on page 92 of the above pdf.  The relevant part is copied below in (2).

 

D. Outright Assignment to Minor League club

(1) Election of Free Agency—3-Year Player
Any Player who has at least 3 years of Major League service, or
who qualified as a “Super Two” Player under Article VI(E)(1) as
of the conclusion of the prior championship season, and whose contract
is assigned outright to a Minor League club may elect, in lieu of
accepting such assignment, to become a free agent. In the event that
such a Player with at least 3 years of Major League service does not
elect free agency in lieu of accepting such assignment, he may elect
free agency between the end of the then current Major League season
and the next following October 15, unless such Player is returned
to a Major League roster prior to making such election. Any Player
who accepts an outright assignment as a “Super Two” Player will not
retain a right to elect free agency following the season.

(2) Election of Free Agency—Second Outright Assignment
Any Player whose contract is assigned outright to a Minor
League club for the second time or any subsequent time in his career
may elect, in lieu of accepting such assignment, to become a free
agent. In the event that such Player does not elect free agency in lieu
of accepting such assignment, he may elect free agency between the
end of the then current Major League season and the next following
October 15, unless such Player is returned to a Major League roster
prior to making such election.

Edited December 22, 201510 yr by Eris

Sucks for Pinto. Doesn't sound like the Padres are treating him in good faith considering he was an early selection in waivers. San Diego is set at catcher and I'm sure he'd rather be anywhere else to get a shot to play in the majors.

A.J. Achter was also waived off the Phillies roster but was claimed by the Angels who had a 40-man spot. At this point, I would accept the minor league assignment if I was Pinto as a potential job is still a job.