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AL Central Notebook: Rodon dominant in latest spring start; Tigers, Price open extension talks

Ron Vesely / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Every Friday, theScore's MLB editors will bring you a roundup of everything you need to know from around the division with the AL Central Notebook.

Chicago White Sox

Carlos cruises. Selected third overall in the 2014 draft, Carlos Rodon bolstered his case for a spot on the Opening Day roster Wednesday when he fanned nine over four shutout innings against the Kansas City Royals, using his plus-plus slider to great effectiveness.

(Courtesy: MLB.com)

#CloserProblems? Newly signed closer David Robertson hasn't pitched in a Cactus League game since Saturday and noted "a little soreness" in his forearm this week, but threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Thursday without any issues. "I don't think anything is wrong. I'm not going for MRIs or anything like that," Robertson told MLB.com

Cleveland Indians

Lindor optioned. The Indians shipped top prospect Francisco Lindor back to the minors Thursday despite a strong performance this spring from the young shortstop. Lindor earned praise from manager Terry Francona after hitting .297/.308/.595 through 16 Cactus League games, but Francona prevaricated when asked if the 21-year-old would reach the majors this season.

Kipnis returns. Hampered by back spasms for more than a week, second baseman Jason Kipnis returned to the lineup Thursday against the Cincinnati Reds, going 1-for-3 while also making a strong defensive play in the third inning.

Detroit Tigers

Miggy, V-Mart back in business. After spending the majority of spring training recuperating from offseason surgery, both Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez provided encouraging signs Thursday when they each blasted their first Grapefruit League home runs.

(Courtesy: MLB.com)

Tigers, Price talk extension. With David Price poised to hit free agency next winter, the Tigers have opened preliminary extension talks with their prized left-hander. Price, however, noted that the two sides are merely "feeling out" one another at this point and no numbers have been discussed.

Kansas City Royals

Ace Ventura. Manager Ned Yost confirmed Wednesday that 23-year-old right-hander Yordano Ventura will get the ball April 6 at Kauffman Stadium when the Royals host the Chicago White Sox on Opening Day. Ventura crafted a 3.20 ERA over 183 innings last season, finishing sixth in American League Rookie of the Year voting.

Ailing Alex. After jamming his right thumb Wednesday against the Chicago White Sox, newly signed outfielder Alex Rios was omitted from Thursday's lineup and is not expected to play Friday, either. Yost characterized his ailment as "minor," but Rios missed the final three weeks of the 2014 season with the same injury. Through 15 Cactus League games, Rios is hitting .333/.349/.619 with three home runs and two stolen bases.

Minnesota Twins

Brian making bank. The Twins agreed Tuesday to a four-year, $20-million extension with Brian Dozier, who ranked fifth among second basemen last season with 4.8 wins above replacement. Dozier, 27, remarked that he "couldn't be happier" with his new deal, which covers all three of his arbitration years but will not delay his eligibility for free agency.

Pinto back behind dish. Felled by concussion-like symptoms after being struck in the head Saturday by the backswing of Adam Jones, catcher Josmil Pinto will be back behind the dish Friday when he catches a bullpen session. Manager Paul Molitor, however, wouldn't speculate about when Pinto might return to the lineup.

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