Bullpen shakeups abound as teams set 25-man rosters

March 27, 2018

Tampa Bay Rays – Two veteran relievers that appeared to be strong candidates for set-up roles at the start of the spring — Daniel Hudson and Dan Jennings — didn’t even make the roster and will be seeking employment elsewhere. The moves were both a bit surprising — Hudson couldn’t get anyone out all spring (15.19 ERA) but was the player that the Rays acquired for Corey Dickerson; while Jennings had posted four straight scoreless outings after a rough first appearance — but at any rate, it’s now likely that the Rays will use veteran Sergio Romo and hard-throwing youngster Jose Alvarado to bridge the gap to Alex Colome.

Updated hierarchy: Colome | Romo | Alvarado.

St. Louis Cardinals – In addition to Dominic Leone, GM John Mozeliak recently mentioned Tyler Lyons as a possible closer candidate in Luke Gregerson’s absence. Beat reporters like Lyons, too, so we’re placing the lefty in the set-up role ahead of the also-promising Sam Tuivailala and the experienced, but struggling Bud Norris (10.80 spring ERA).

Updated hierarchy: *Leone | Lyons | Tuivailala.
* = closer-by-committee

Seattle Mariners – David Phelps, the expected 7th or 8th inning man in Seattle, underwent Tommy John surgery this week and will miss the 2018 season. Look for Nick Vincent to get a few more holds as a result.

Updated hierarchy: Diaz | Nicasio | Vincent.

Cincinnati Reds – Michael Lorenzen has a strained right shoulder and will start the season on the DL. While there was talk of moving him to the rotation, the injury likely means he’ll resume his familiar bullpen duties once he returns. In the meantime, look for Jared Hughes and David Hernandez to set up for Raisel Iglesias. Also joining the bullpen: former St. John’s small forward Amir Garrett.

Updated hierarchy: Iglesias | Hughes | Hernandez.

Pittsburgh Pirates – Kevin Siegrist, who seemed like one of the most promising relievers in baseball a few years ago, failed to make the Pirates’ opening day roster. He’s only 28, so we’re guessing he resurfaces at some point, but for now, look for Michael Feliz to pitch the 7th inning in Pittsburgh.

Updated hierarchy: Rivero | Kontos | Feliz.

Kansas City Royals – Kelvin Herrera and Brandon Maurer are locked in to the 9th and 8th inning roles in Kansas City, but we’re still just throwing darts as to who will pitch before them. Our current best guess: Brad Keller, a 22-year-old Rule 5 acquisition who struck out 14 in 10 innings this spring. Justin Grimm could also challenge for the role.

Updated hierarchy: Herrera | Maurer | Keller.