Rockies option Tsao, three others to Triple-A

Tucson, Ariz. — The Colorado Rockies sent top pitching prospect Chin-hui Tsao and three other players to Triple-A on Thursday.

Tsao competed with fellow right-hander Denny Stark for the No. 5 spot in the Rockies rotation. Stark earned that spot Wednesday.

Colorado also optioned right-hander Allan Simpson and outfielders Brad Hawpe and Choo Freeman to Colorado Springs.

Tsao became the first Taiwanese-born pitcher in the majors last season. He went 3-3 with a 6.02 ERA.

Spring struggles surround Sheets

Phoenix — Milwaukee Brewers ace Ben Sheets had a forgettable spring training, going 0-3 in five starts and posting a 7.85 ERA.

“I don’t think he’s had a real good start all spring,” manager Ned Yost said. “He’s going to be good on opening day. There’s no doubt in my mind.”

Sheets gave up six earned runs in five innings of a 12-4 loss to the Chicago Cubs in his final spring-training start Wednesday.

But Sheets said he wasn’t concerned.

“It’s just a little bit of everything,” he said. “I don’t think it was anything real bad. But I’d like to have success.”

Tigers acquire Colyer in trade with Dodgers

Detroit — Tigers outfielder Cody Ross was traded to the Dodgers on Thursday for left-handed pitcher Steve Colyer and a player to be named.

The Tigers also optioned right-hander Ugueth Urbina to Class A Lakeland (Fla.)

Also, after being given his unconditional release, Esteban Yan re-signed and still is in the mix to be the No. 5 starter, manager Alan Trammell said.