Twins send Boshers, Field to Minor Leagues

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The Twins continued to trim their roster Tuesday, optioning left-hander Buddy Boshers to Triple-A Rochester and reassigning infielder Tommy Field to Minor League camp.
The moves leave 39 players in camp, although infielders Ben Paulsen, Bengie Gonzalez and Matt Hague were told they will open the year at Triple-A Rochester. Minnesota also has injured players such as closer Glen Perkins and left-hander Ryan O'Rourke who will open the year on the 10-day disabled list. Infielder Ehire Adrianza, who is out with a right oblique strain, is also a candidate for the DL.
Boshers, who was competing to be a lefty out of the bullpen, struggled this spring, posting a 10.61 ERA in 9 1/3 innings, including allowing four homers. But he was better last year in 36 innings with the Twins, carrying a 4.25 ERA with 37 strikeouts and seven walks.
"He helped us at times last year, there's no question," Twins manager Paul Molitor said. "We saw some of the things he needs to improve upon this camp. Pitching from behind and some improvement with the running game. Consistency, that's what we're looking for."

Field, a non-roster invitee, showed power with three homers, but he batted .170 overall in 47 at-bats. He showed strong defense in the infield, and he will give the Twins depth at Triple-A.
While the Twins only made two moves on Tuesday, Molitor said he expects several more on Wednesday, as they could even decide their 25-man roster. He's scheduled to meet with chief baseball officer Derek Falvey and general manager Thad Levine on Tuesday night to hash out the roster.
The Twins still need to name their fifth starter between Adalberto Mejía and Tyler Duffey, which could affect their bullpen, with Duffey a candidate to relieve if Mejia wins the job. They've also yet to formally announce ByungHo Park has won the competition at designated hitter over Kennys Vargas, who has been out with a bruised left foot. It's a formality at this point, as Park needs to be added to the 40-man roster. Park hit a solo homer in Tuesday's 1-0 win over the Rays.

Chris Gimenez also is the favorite at backup catcher over John Ryan Murphy, but like Park, needs to be added to the 40-man. The last two spots in the bullpen also have to be decided with candidates including Rule 5 pick Justin Haley, Michael Tonkin, non-roster invitee Alex Wimmers and potentially Duffey.
Haley tossed three shutout innings Tuesday against the Rays.

One positive development is outfielder Robbie Grossman, out since March 19 with a strained right groin, played three innings without any issues in a Minor League game on Tuesday, and is expected to be ready for the start of the season.
"I'm not overly concerned we've had to figure out things late," Molitor said. "If it were clean and more cut and dry, people would find out sooner. But this one has had to linger for a few different reasons. I think there will be a fair amount of clarity tomorrow."