RELIEVERS: 2023 AL Spring Training observations

With opening day just days ahead, this column takes a look at how spring training went for relievers in pens where roles might not have been set when pitchers and catchers reported back in February. For the most part, we still don't know the roles, but we can make a few observations. All caveats apply. In fact, we may be dumber by drawing any conclusions based on five innings of work in spring games against what could be a wide variety in quality, without knowing really anything about what is going on every day on back fields or in tunnels. So don't change your projections just yet. Take it more as an additional tidbit of information to carry forward. And, of course, there are some more names to add to your lists.

With that preamble out...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From Relief Pitchers

Teams are moving relievers and this column has early impacts, starting with Paul Sewald's demotion and A.J. Minter (LHP, MIN) to the surging Twins, where he will pair with Yoendrys Gómez (pictured).
Aug 2 2026 3:07am
Skills always matter. Here are five more pens as we head towards August.
Jul 26 2026 3:05am
Buyers and sellers at the deadline always disrupt bullpens. Here are some potential teams to watch.
Jul 19 2026 3:06am
The relievers in this article are the ones most likely to have 20 or more holds at the end of the season.
Jul 12 2026 3:06am
This column examines the RPs who have at least a 20% K%-BB%, no more than a 1.0 HR/9, and no more than a 3.50 xERA as of July 1.
Jul 5 2026 3:09am

Tools