After the Kansas City Royals optioned pitchers Josh Staumont, Josh Taylor, and Richard Lovelady before the weekend, the 2023 Opening Day bullpen is beginning to gain clarity.

 

The Royals will most likely have four high leverage relievers this season, with Scott Barlow, Aroldis Chapman, Amir Garrett, and Dylan Coleman all serving as one-inning options in the late stages of games.

 

Kansas City will also have flexibility with their bullpen, with Taylor Clarke, Carlos Hernandez, and Ryan Yarbrough all capable of throwing multiple innings in an appearance.

 

That leaves one final opening in the bullpen prior to the season opener. The Royals have had a pair of young arms with solid springs in Collin Snider and Jose Cuas. They also have veteran options in Nick Wittgren, Evan Sisk, and Ryan Weiss.

 

The Royals open their season against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday afternoon.