RELIEVERS: 2021 Opening Day observations

Opening Day. New beginnings, some folks in the stands, and some things that happened in bullpens that were not entirely expected, but might shed a little more light on usage patterns going forward. This column is more about usage than skills, but as you know, if the skills don't provide success, roles change.

Toronto had a nice win over the Yankees in a 10-inning game. Rafael Dolis (RHP, TOR) handled the eighth, Jordan Romano (RHP, TOR) handled the ninth, and then the Blue Jays scratched across a run. Julian Merryweather (RHP, TOR) earned the team's first save of 2021, making a winner out of Romano. Expect Merryweather wherever the team needs someone to pitch, including multiple-inning stints. Expect Dolis in the eighth and Romano in...

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