The Indians trimmed their spring roster by 15 players Thursday, sending out one contender for their fifth starting spot, three contenders for their last bullpen spot and several promising prospects.

Right-handers John Meloan, Adam Miller, Hector Rondon and Juan Salas, left-hander Tony Sipp and second baseman Luis Valbuena were optioned to Triple-A Columbus. Right-hander Hector Rondon and catcher Carlos Santana were optioned to Double-A Akron.

Right-hander Jack Cassel, left-hander David Huff, catcher Armando Camacaro, first baseman Jordan Brown, third baseman Wes Hodges, infielder Jesus Merchan, first baseman Beau Mills and outfielder Stephen Head were reassigned to Minor League camp.

So strike Huff from the mix for the fifth starting job. Left-handers Aaron Laffey, Scott Lewis and Jeremy Sowers are the prime remaining candidates for that job. Laffey entered camp as the front-runner.

Huff was held out of a good chunk of the Cactus League schedule because of his career-high workload at Double-A Akron and Triple-A Buffalo last year. The Indians wanted to more closely monitor his workload in simulated sessions. In two exhibition appearances, Huff gave up four runs in four innings. The Indians believed he was pressing as a result of the competition.

Strike Meloan, Salas and Cassel from the bullpen competition. Zach Jackson, Kirk Saarloos, Vinnie Chulk and Matt Herges are the leading candidates for that job. 

And say so long to Santana and Valbuena, who made a strong first impression after their acquisitions in trades in 2008.

The Tribe has 44 players remaining in camp.