The first round of Indians' roster cuts on Tuesday went largely as expected. With the team off on Wednesday and minor-league games starting this week, many were looking for moves to be made to start the process of getting down to 25 for opening day in Houston on April 6.
The only mild surprise is infielder Giovanny Urshela being sent down to Triple-A Columbus this early. Urshela, who batted .280 with 21 home runs between Akron and Columbus last season, was thought to have an outside chance of making the roster due to his power. However he is coming off offseason knee injury and has been battling lower back tightness for the past week. Tuesday is the last day teams can send down injured prospects to the minors, or else they would risk starting the season on the major-league disabled list.
Urshela has played in only five Cactus League games and went 2-for-10 with a home run and five RBI. Right-handers Shawn Armstrong and Charles Brewer were also optioned to Columbus.
Three players -- right-hander Cody Anderson, left-hander Ryan Merritt and catcher Tony Wolters -- were optioned to Double-A Akron. Merritt, who was first in the organization in ERA (2.58) and second in wins (13), pitched in two games and gave up two runs in three innings.
Catcher Jake Lowery, outfielders Tyler Naquin and Jordan Smith and right-hander Will Roberts were assigned to the minor-league camp. Naquin, who was a first-round pick in 2012, was in Akron last season but there is a chance he could open this year in Columbus.
Of the 10 sent down, Anderson, Armstrong, Brewer, Naquin, Urshela and Wolters, are on the 40-man roster.
With the moves, the Indians have 52 players remaining in the major-league camp -- 25 pitchers, four catchers, 14 infielders and nine outfielders.
