Around AL Central Spring Training, 3/26: Liriano A Starter. For Now.

Royals: Kyle Davies is to serve as the team’s fifth starter at the start of the year. Kyle Farnsworth is #6...the Royals are projected to be the third-most improved team in the field this season.

Indians: The team is narrowing down its candidates for the 4th and 5th rotation slots, but nothing is yet set in stone. Mitch Talbot, however, certainly appears to be a near-lock, meaning the last spot would come down to one of Carlos Carrasco, Aaron Laffey, and David Huff. Carrasco has thus far looked the most impressive.

Tigers: Clete Thomas got some X-rays on his shoulder after getting beaned on Thursday, but the results were negative, so he’s day-to-day...Bobby Seay is off to see Dr. Andrews about his arm pain...Jeremy Bonderman looks like a good bet to take the 4th rotation slot, leaving the 5th to Dontrelle Willis or Nate Robertson.

Twins: Francisco Liriano, right now, is the Twins’ fifth starter. However, the bullpen remains a possibility, depending on how the team feels about its closer situation without Joe Nathan. In 14 innings this spring, Liriano has only walked two batters while striking out a phenomenal 22...add lefty Ron Mahay to the group of guys fighting for a bullpen spot, although he’s likely to begin in the minors...Pat Neshek is working his way towards having only one day off between appearances, rather than two.

White Sox: The White Sox grabbed former top prospect Scott Elarton on a minor league contract, but he’s unlikely to make any noise this year...Sergio Santos, a former position player who’s fighting for the last bullpen spot, allowed his first runs of the spring on Thursday. He does still have 11 strikeouts in 6.2 innings.