Twins quietly release former Braves All-Star shortstop

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The Minnesota Twins made a notable roster move on Friday night.

However, the player involved in the move was not on the Major League roster despite being a former All-Star.

According to Bobby Nightengale of the Minnesota Star Tribune, the AL Central club has released shortstop Orlando Arcia from his minor league contract.

"St. Paul Saints announced Kaelen Culpepper was activated from the 7-day IL. Orlando Arcia was released," Nightengale wrote.

Arcia made 19 appearances with the Twins earlier this season, but he had been in Triple-A since June.

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"It’s a roster that maybe could’ve used Arcia, particularly considering the bench doesn’t include a middle infielder, unless you count Austin Martin (four games at second base in 2025)," Charlie Wright of MLB Trade Rumors wrote. "Instead, Arcia will hit the market in search of another opportunity."

In 50 trips to the plate, the 31-year-old hit .271/.300/.354 with one home run and a .654 OPS.

As a 11-year veteran, Arcia spent the first six seasons of his career with the Milwaukee Brewers before a successful stint with the Atlanta Braves, helping the NL East club win the World Series in 2021 and earning an All-Star selection in 2023.