Thornburg, Smith contribute to bullpen's early success

MILWAUKEE -- Tyler Thornburg and Will Smith have been two key components to Milwaukee's early-season success, allowing just one earned run in 13 combined innings.

But even though the two could ultimately factor into the rotation conversation, bullpen coach Lee Tunnell said the relief experience wasn't coming at the cost of honing additional pitches and broadening their repertoire.

"They're both just kind of absorbing themselves in whatever role they have, and the rest will take care of itself. That's how you approach it," Tunnell said.

There was no secret, Tunnell said, to the bullpen's superb success over the first nine games, in which his relievers have combined for a Major League best 0.98 ERA, limiting opponents to .158 in the process.

"It's a day-by-day thing, and everybody wants the ball," Tunnell said. "It's a great group of guys, they pull for each other, they know their role, they're prepared. I don't think anybody in our organization would be surprised by what's happening."