Tribe trims five from camp ahead of weekend trip

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- In advance of a two-game weekend exhibition series against the Padres beginning Friday at the University of San Diego, the Indians made five house-cleaning moves Thursday morning for players who will not be traveling with the team to California.

Infielder Justin Sellers was optioned to Triple-A Columbus, while pitchers Shaun Marcum and Matt Capps and catchers Matt Treanor and Luke Carlin were reassigned to Minor League camp.

Marcum (thoracic outlet syndrome), Capps (right shoulder) and Treanor (left hamstring) will continue to rehab their injuries when the season begins, but Indians manager Terry Francona believes they all could end up contributing to the club this season under certain circumstances.

"Everybody has a little different scenario," Francona said. "The one big thing is it's all based on their health and their rate of coming back."

Marcum, who initially signed with the club in December to compete for a rotation spot this spring, has begun pitching in Minor League games, but the veteran right-hander still needs to build up his arm strength.

"I think he's doing a pretty good job of getting ready to pitch," Francona said. "He's not a power guy, he never has been, but he managed to find a way to get through the American League East [while with the Blue Jays]. We just have to get him some repetition, get him built up and see where he goes."

Sellers, acquired from the Dodgers on March 2, hit .450 (9-for-20) with four walks, three doubles and three RBIs for the Indians this spring.