short reliever

Late-game pitching decisions will be based more on matchups than defined roles this season, but whether he is closer, setup man or short reliever, Graterol will be an important part of the mix.

Erik Swanson, an unheralded part of the Paxton trade, has also blossomed as a short reliever.

Dave Roberts has already met with Andrew Heaney and explained to him what his role will be: starter, opener, short reliever, long reliever, setup man and closer.

Closer Kenley Jansen, setup man Blake Treinen and short reliever Brusdar Graterol were down because of excessive workloads in recent days, leaving Alex Vesia, Phil Bickford and Corey Knebel as the team’s best high-leverage options.

Maddon considered the range of his super utility man: “Proper technique against a wall that’s not too tall, he can do it. It all comes down to technique. He’s a great athlete. I think he can do anything on the baseball field. I think he can catch. I don’t think he’d be, no pun intended, a short reliever. But on the field, I think if you give him a challenge, he’ll figure it out.”