Twins release injured outfielder Jordan Schafer

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Minnesota Twins have released injured outfielder Jordan Schafer.

Schafer was the center fielder in Minnesota's opening day lineup this year after being claimed off waivers from Atlanta last August. He has been on the disabled list because of a medial collateral sprain in his right knee since mid-May and hit only .217 in 69 at-bats.

Shane Robinson and Aaron Hicks passed Schafer on the outfield depth chart, and the organization's top prospect, Byron Buxton, was promoted from Double-A last week.

The move was made late Thursday, putting the Twins on the hook for the remainder of Schafer's $1.55 million salary for this season. This also opened a spot on the 40-man roster, which will be needed when right-hander Ervin Santana's 80-game suspension expires in July.