Twins option Michael Tonkin to Triple-A Rochester

The only depth chart battle that's more interesting than that for center field or the fifth rotation spot is the battle for that last bullpen spot or two. So after the Twins optioned Alex Meyer earlier today, they've pulled the plug on one of their relief possibilities by optioning Michael Tonkin.

Tonkin made four appearances for the Twins this spring, allowing nine hits and a walk while striking out five in four innings. Considering how many players were up for a limited number of roles he was already considered a longshot, so this decision is as much of a surprise as the earlier decision on Meyer.

With Tonkin's result, the locks of Glen Perkins and Casey Fien are joined by the likely choices of Brian Duensing, Tim Stauffer, and Caleb Thielbar. If Mike Pelfrey or Tommy Milone are so be awarded the long relief role, the options for that final spot in the bullpen are down to Ryan Pressly, J.R. Graham, and potentially Blaine Boyer - although he is a non-roster invitee. Stephen Pryor is probably worth mentioning, but he's certainly on the outside looking in.