GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- After a rough spring, the Indians have decided that it would be better for Danny Salazar to not start the season in the majors.
The young right-hander was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Friday, leaving TJ House, Zach McAllister and Josh Tomlin to vie for the final two spots in the rotation.
"Based on the body of work we felt it was best suited if Danny goes to AAA and earns his way back," manager Terry Francona said.
In four spring starts, Salazar was 1-2 with an 8.18 ERA and five home runs allowed in 11 innings. He struck out 15 of the 54 batters he faced against five walks with two hit batters. In Thursday's 13-2 loss to the Reds, Salazar allowed seven runs (six earned) in 3 1/3 innings on six hits (two home runs) with two hit batters and six strikeouts. He threw 83 pitches with 54 being strikes.
Salazar, who started the 2013 AL Wild-Card game, was 6-8 with a 4.25 ERA in two stints last season. He began the year with the club and started the home opener but was demoted in the middle of May before being called up in late July.
