(GOODYEAR, Ariz.) – The Indians are continuing to trim their roster in preparation for the 2013 Major League Baseball season. The Tribe only has two more weeks until the start of the regular season and on Monday morning they inched closer to finding out who in fact will break camp with them come March 31.

General manager Chris Antonetti and manager Terry Francona announced that SS Juan Diaz was optioned to Triple-A Columbus, while RHP Preston Guilmet, OF Cedric Hunter, RHP Matt Langwell and RHP Joe Martinez were re-assigned to Minor League camp that morning.

Antonetti and Francona also acknowledged they told RHPs Daisuke Matsuzaka and Matt Capps that they will not break camp with the big league club. Both Matsuzaka and Capps are weighing their options of whether to report to Triple-A Columbus with the Tribe or become free agents. On Monday it sounded as if the Indians were closer to a Minor League agreement with Matsuzaka.

The Indians are hoping right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka will go to Triple-A Columbus to get more work in and build up his innings. Dice-K is likely weighing his options now whether to accept that assignment or become a free agent. Photo courtesy Associated Press

Matsuzaka is represented by agent Scott Boras.

The Indians also informed C Omir Santos, C Brian Jeroloman, INF Luis Hernandez and OF Matt Carson that they would not break camp on March 31 with the big league club.

Antonetti and Francona would not commit to naming their No. 5 starter for the rotation on Monay, although it appears LHP Scott Kazmir is the favorite to land that open job. Other candidates for that spot still include RHP Corey Kluber, RHP Carlos Carrasco and RHP Trevor Bauer.

The Indians open the 2013 season on April 2 in Toronto against the Blue Jays. Spring camp ends Saturday, March 30 after the Tribe’s final Cactus League exhibition game against the Cincinnati Reds.

- Nick Camino