Cotton was designated for assignment by the Twins after Thursday's win over the Royals, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.
Cotton was called up from Triple-A St. Paul on Sunday but was jettisoned from the 40-man roster without making an appearance. The 30-year-old has a 2.83 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 31:16 K:BB across 35 innings this season.