The Minnesota Twins trimmed their 66-player clubhouse by nine Thursday, marking the first round of spring training cuts.
According to 1500ESPN.com, a handful of players were optioned to Triple-A. Among them were pitchers Deolis Guerra, Lester Oliveros, Scott Diamond and Tyler Robertson, as well as outfielder Darin Mastroianni.
In addition, pitcher Aaron Thompson, catcher Danny Rams and infielder Steve Pearce were also assigned to minor league camps.
According to 1500ESPN, Oliveros getting optioned to Triple-A was something of a surprise:
Oliveros was considered by some in the organization as a likely candidate to break camp on the 25-man roster. The Twins like his fastball velocity (mid-90's) and were hoping he'd show improved command this season. Oliveros pitched in three Grapefruit League games this month, allowing one earned run on four hits in three innings, striking out four and walking nobody.
With Oliveros gone, the remaining bullpen options include Kyle Waldrop and Anthony Swarzak. According to 1500ESPN, Matt Capps, Glen Perkins and Brian Duensing are "locks" in the 'pen.
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