Someone had to be the scapegoat and Rocco was the most logical choice. Couldn't fire everyone on the 26 man roster, plus the Pohlads and Falvey weren't going anywhere, so Rocco was waved goodbye.
Do you have any verifiable proof that he's specifically choosing not to play? I rather doubt it. Sounds more like you're just looking for something to rant and rave about and this just fell into your lap.
I happen to agree fully with mnfireman.
I thought I'd heard that he just passed plate appearance bonus a day or two ago, which would have been at least the second earned bonus this season. I don't believe that the next bonus level was close enough to attain today in any reasonable or realistic scenario.
If he can keep developing his pitch arsenal, we may actually have something positive worth keeping around for awhile.
Very good news, if it plays out that way.