Indians news: Danny Salazar sent to Triple-A

The Indians have optioned Danny Salazar to Triple-A, meaning that for at least the beginning of the season, he will not be a part of the Tribe starting rotation. Salazar gave up his fourth and fifth home runs of the spring on Thursday, and also hit two batters. He has struck out more than a batter an inning, but been unable to last longer than four innings because of the number of hits he's allowed and because he so often works himself into a deep count.

Salazar entered camp as the favorite for the fifth spot, and after Gavin Floyd's elbow created a second opening Salazar seemed to be in even better shape to break camp with the team, but the results just haven't been there. If he were out of options I believe the team would have found a place for him on the roster, but instead they're able to bide their time and hope he puts things together in Columbus, the way he eventually seemed to last summer.

Josh Tomlin is technically still in the race for a spot, but I have to think Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Trevor Bauer, T.J. House, and Zach McAllister will be the five. The team could get by with only four starters for a little while, due to days off early in the season, so McAllister could be used as a reliever, but in terms of roster spots, he and House are all but locks at this point.