LAKELAND, Fla. -- The Detroit Tigers' bullpen and bench is starting to take shape.
The Tigers optioned left-handed relievers Chad Bell and Blaine Hardy to Triple-A Toledo on Thursday morning. They also reassigned catchers Derek Norris and Jarrod Saltalamacchia; infielders Pete Kozma and Ronny Rodrigez; and outfielders Jim Adduci and Chad Huffman to minor-league camp.
That leaves 28 players in camp. With starter Mike Fiers expected to begin the year on the disabled list, the Tigers have only two cuts left to make.
If the Tigers keep a seven-man bullpen, that likely means that Warwick Saupold and Johnny Barbato are fighting for the final two spots.