Decision time draws close for non-roster veterans

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Decision time is nearing for some of the Angels' veteran non-roster invitees.

Catcher Yorvit Torrealba, corner infielder Chad Tracy and first baseman Carlos Pena can ask for their release if not added to the 40-man roster by Sunday. Utility infielder John McDonald must be paid an additional $100,000 to be kept off the 40-man roster after Tuesday. And outfielder Brennan Boesch has a "soft out" on March 30, which means he can only ask for his release if it's for an immediate Major League opportunity.

Third baseman Ian Stewart and reliever Brandon Lyon have opt-outs later in the season.

Of the seven, only McDonald appears to have a guaranteed roster spot, especially now that Andrew Romine (out of options) has been traded to the Tigers in exchange for left-hander Jose Alvarez.

Asked if Friday's deal makes McDonald the backup infielder, Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto was non-committal, saying: "We'll get to that when we get to that."

But McDonald has had a nice spring, batting .320, and is solid defensively at three infield positions. McDonald's only remaining competition is Grant Green, a 26-year-old who provides more offense, but still needs seasoning defensively.