Kevin

Tolar

Take spring workout info for what it is, but Tolar has improved his chances of making the Twins. He’d be a solid lefty specialist if he does.

Tolar will take the bullpen spot of Alan Embree, who is headed for the DL. The 32-year-old is not a candidate for a valuable role in the bullpen.

Tolar will be used as a lefty specialist by the Red Sox. It’s not impossible that he’ll earn a save or two if matchups dictate, but he’s not someone who is going to be saved for the ninth inning.

Tolar has typically put up impressive minor league numbers, but he’s pitched a total of 17 2/3 innings in the majors over 15 professional seasons. The Diamondbacks won’t carry him at the start of the year, but there’s a chance they’ll use him later on.

Tolar is off the team for now, but at least he remains on the 40-man roster, so there’s a pretty good chance that he’ll return at some point.

Tolar has been called the “talk of Twins camp,” but this should dampen the optimism. He still has a solid chance at making the Twins as a lefty specialist.

Tolar walked nine batters in four innings this spring to eliminate himself from the competition for a bullpen spot. Crain, one of baseball’s top relief prospects, could make his major league debut in May or June.

Tolar, 32, had a 2.27 ERA in 47 appearances for Triple-A Pawtucket last season. He’d be a fine lefty specialist if given a lengthy opportunity. However, he’ll probably lose out on a job to the more experienced Aaron Fultz.

Tolar figured to last longer than this, especially since he had given up just one run and fanned nine in five innings this spring. Kaye, Foster and Davey should join him in what figures to be a very good Pawtucket bullpen.