Twins decline to offer contract to Mijares

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Minnesota Twins have decided not to offer left-hander Jose Mijares a contract for next season. The decision makes the 27-year-old reliever a free agent.

Mijares has been a regular part of the Twins' bullpen for the last four years. He was excellent in his first two seasons, emerging as a reliable left-handed specialist. But the Venezuelan reliever struggled to keep his weight under control the last two seasons and his performance on the mound dropped off.

Mijares was 0-2 with a 4.59 ERA in 58 outings last season.

By not tendering Mijares a contract offer, the Twins avoid going to salary arbitration with him.

The Twins did tender contracts to left-handed starter Francisco Liriano, left-handed reliever Glen Perkins and infielder Alexi Casilla.