Twins rumors: Minnesota pursuing Joe Saunders

The Minnesota Twins are pursuing free agent left-hander Joe Saunders, according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports.

The Twins have been active in filling out their starting rotation this winter. They entered the offseason with only one starter, left-hander Scott Diamond, penciled into their rotation. The team has since acquired several arms, including Vance Worley, Kevin Correia, Mike Pelfrey and Rich Harden.

Saunders spent the 2012 season with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Baltimore Orioles. The O’s acquired the left-hander from the Diamondbacks late last summer in exchange for right-handed reliever Matt Lindstrom.

After joining Baltimore for its stretch run, Saunders performed well. This American League East showcase only enhanced his value entering the offseason. The Orioles are among the teams that have also expressed interest in the 31-year-old.

Last year for the Diamondbacks and Orioles, Saunders maintained an ERA of 4.07 over 28 starts. He owns a career mark of 4.15 with 5.1 strikeouts and 2.7 walks per nine innings.