Broxton included in recent round of Twins cuts; Colina likely to hit I.L.

We are less than a week away from Opening Day and the major-league camp gets smaller while the minor-league camp gets bigger for the Minnesota Twins. The team’s communications and P.R. guru fills us in on the latest round of cuts from this morning:

The biggest name out of this group, in my opinion, is that of outfielder Keon Broxton (.320/.414/.620, 1 HR, 5 RBI this spring). Kyle Garlick and Brent Rooker are essentially fighting for one roster spot, unless the Twins pull a surprise and/or an injury opens up a spot for an outfielder. Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune as well as Dan Hayes of The Athletic both tweet out educated assumptions that Jake Cave and Willians Astudillo are essentially locks for the roster. But hey, also remember what assuming does, folks.

On the pitching side, Caleb “Meat Raffle” Thielbar, Derek “Don’t Fight Me” Law, and Brandon “No Nickname” Waddell are vying for possibly two bullpen spots instead of one. Dan Hayes mentioned this morning that Edwar Colina will most likely begin the year on the Injured List due to elbow inflammation.

Thielbar has allowed two earned runs in 2.1 innings of work this spring while allowing a walk and notching three strikeouts. The southpaw is also the only one on the 40-man roster out of the trio gunning for a roster spot. Waddell has gotten some more action on the mound, pitching 7.1 innings and allowing four earned runs but striking out 14 batters against allowing two free passes. Law is striking out batters at a 15.0 K/9 clip and has a K/BB ratio of 10.0 in six innings of work.

It’s coming down to the wire, ladies and gentleman. Who do you think will go north with the team?