SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Rockies camp breaks on Tuesday, which means there is still time for surprises.
Here’s the latest shot at predicting the final roster. There was a story on Friday that predicted some decisions. Less than 24 hours later, let’s reconsider based on bullpen needs.
So here is the latest look:
Catcher (2): Hunter Goodman, Brett Sullivan
Goodman is building upon a 2025 All-Star campaign. As for the second job, it’s a toss-up between Sullivan, a non-roster invitee, and Braxton Fulford, a rookie last season.
First baseman (2): TJ Rumfield, Troy Johnston
Rumfield arrived at camp showing that his lengthy Minor League experience is paying off offensively. Lefty hitter Troy Johnston, who also plays the corner outfield, 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.
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. But Karros has handled the fastball well throughout camp, and has been selective against breaking pitches.
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
There will be a showdown on Monday -- the next-to-last game of the Cactus League season, between Feltner and RHP Chase Dollander for the fifth spot. Both have struggled recently, so there is no distance between them.
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 Jaden Hill
This is where it becomes interesting. RHP Valente Bellozo -- who pitched in the Majors for the Marlins the last two years -- threw three solid innings against the Padres on Friday night and has been increasingly effective throughout camp. He’s making things interesting. Senzatela is capable of three or more innings, if necessary. If the Rockies need another such reliever, Bellozo could be that option.