SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The roster for the Rockies' season opener at Miami on Friday is almost set. One bench role is yet to be determined, as outfielder/infielder Tyler Freeman nurses a back injury, and most of the bullpen has not been announced.
Here is the latest look at the roster, with many spots set but a few predicted:
Catcher (2): Hunter Goodman, Brett Sullivan
Goodman is building upon a 2025 All-Star campaign. Sullivan won the backup job with a strong spring, and the fact his left-handed bat offers options.
First baseman (2): TJ Rumfield, Troy Johnston
Rumfield arrived at camp showing that his lengthy Minor League experience is paying off offensively. With Freeman’s availability undetermined, the most likely person to grab the spot is Johnston, who also plays the corner outfield and played with increasing effectiveness throughout camp.
Second baseman (2): Willi Castro, Edouard Julien
The Rockies believe second base is Castro’s best position, but he can be shifted depending on who makes it in other spots. Julien can play first base as well as second.
Shortstop (1): Ezequiel Tovar
A healthy Tovar, coming off helping Venezuela to the World Baseball Classic title, is a potential All-Star. Expect Castro to shift to short to give Tovar occasional days off. He can also play first base and even the outfield.
Third baseman (1): Kyle Karros
Offensively and especially defensively, Karros has been starting lineup-worthy despite the team’s concern about depending on players with not much Minor League time.
Outfielders (3): Jordan Beck, Brenton Doyle, Jake McCarthy
This group, into which Mickey Moniak also will rotate, is a solid one.
Designated hitter (1): Mickey Moniak
Moniak is an important lefty bat. Beck, Doyle, McCarthy or Goodman also could do DH shifts.
Bench/Utility (1): Ryan Ritter
Ritter showed the ability to play around the infield and in left field, and has speed on the bases.
Starting Pitchers (5): LHP Kyle Freeland, RHP Michael Lorenzen, RHP Tomoyuki Sugano, LHP Jose Quintana, RHP Ryan Feltner
Feltner earned the fifth spot by pitching well when ahead in the count, but he has to do that more consistently to hold the job.
Relief Pitchers (8): RHP Seth Halvorsen, RHP Victor Vodnik, RHP Juan Mejia, RHP Jimmy Herget, RHP Zach Agnos, RHP Antonio Senzatela, LHP Brennan Bernardino, RHP Chase Dollander
The bullpen had not been announced as of Sunday. The Rockies have Senzatela to throw more than two innings but needed another long guy. Dollander was placed in the role to continue his education at the Major League level. Dollander’s presence could cost right-hander Jaden Hill, who for the second straight year has offered a good argument for inclusion in the season-opening bullpen.