Schafer, 28, had been on the 15-day disabled list since May 16 with a strained medial collateral ligament in his right knee. He had been working out at Target Field, but instead of a rehab assignment, the Twins decided to release the six-year veteran.
Schafer won the center-field job out of Spring Training, but he hit just .217/.250/.261 with five RBIs and three stolen bases in 27 games. He fared better with the Twins last season, hitting .285/.345/.362 with a homer, 13 RBIs and 15 stolen bases in 41 games after being claimed off waivers from the Braves on Aug.