Twins reassigned SS Brian Dozier, INF-OF Brian Dinkelman, RHP Casey Fien and C J.R. Towles to minor league camp. No surprises here. Dozier was told by the Twins that he's close to being big league-ready, but they prefer that he play every day. Sean Burroughs won the final spot on the team's bench.

Brian Dozier went 3-for-5 with a homer and four RBI as the Twins crushed the Pirates 15-3 on Saturday. Dozier's second three-hit game in three days has pushed his average back up to .277. The Twins have indicated that they don't intend to carry Dozier as a utilityman, and it doesn't appear that they're willing to start him over either Jamey Carroll or Alexi Casilla. Still, he's stuck around this long without being ruled out for a roster spot.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire indicated Wednesday that infield prospect Brian Dozier is likely to open the season with Triple-A Rochester. Not surprising given that he's yet to play at Triple-A, but Gardenhire also said that he wouldn't hesitate making Dozier a starter if either shortstop Jamey Carrol or Alexi Casilla miss time due to injury. The 24-year-old batted .320/.399/.491 with nine homers, 56 RBI, 24 stolen bases and an .890 OPS between High-A Fort Myers and Double-A New Britain last season and was recently ranked as the organization's No. 10 prospect by Baseball America.