SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The Rockies believe their late-inning relievers could prove to be an asset. And in their initial Spring Training outings, the younger pitchers have looked solid. 

During Thursday’s 6-6 tie with the Dodgers, lefty Lucas Gilbreath -- who worked his way into high-leverage situations last year as a rookie -- struck out one and yielded one hit in a scoreless eighth inning.

Gilbreath figures to have the upper hand on Ben Bowden for the lefty setup role. 

The Rockies are also looking for contributions from some hard-throwing righties who have Minor League options and will be spending the year competing for roster spots and big league innings.

The Rockies have received solid work from Justin Lawrence, who is developing a new slider to go with a fastball that can tick above 100 mph. The old slider had downward movement but came from a slot that gave batters an idea it was coming. With better deception, he may be able to get more hitters to swing. In two Spring Training innings, Lawrence has struck out two and yielded only one hit -- a home run on his first pitch against the Royals on Wednesday.  

Some of the veteran late-inning relievers will work Friday against the Cubs after starter Germán Márquez makes his first appearance. Jhoulys Chacín, Daniel Bard, Carlos Estévez and Tyler Kinley are scheduled to pitch.

Excelling, but out of sight
Righty Antonio Senzatela threw 55 pitches and struck out five in 2 2/3 innings against the Athletics in a Minor League game on Thursday in Mesa, Ariz. The Rockies are starting the season with a three-game set against the Dodgers, and Senzatela will likely start one of those games.

The Rockies hope Senzatela shows the Dodgers what he showed the Athletics.

“His slider is good -- but he has such a good fastball, everything goes off it,” said catcher Dom Nuñez. “He was 92-96 mph with command.”

TV schedule announced
The following games will be telecast on AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (all times MDT):

• Saturday vs. Rangers, 2:10 p.m.

• Tuesday vs. Angels, 2:10 p.m.

• March 30 vs. D-backs, 2:10 p.m.

• April 1 vs. Mariners, 7:40 p.m.

• April 4 vs. Brewers, 2:10 p.m.

• April 5 vs. Guardians, 2:10 p.m.