5 factors in Friars' bullpen construction

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Five places are secure in the Padres' Opening Day bullpen:

? Closer: Josh Hader
? Setup: Robert Suarez
? High leverage: Tim Hill, Luis García
? Long relief: Nabil Crismatt

Within that group, the Padres see the foundation of an elite relief corps. Hader and Suarez comprise one of the most formidable back ends in the league. Both Hill and García are coming off underrated, excellent seasons. Crismatt, the do-everything man, has a secure place, too, manager Bob Melvin said last month.

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That leaves two or three spots up for grabs, and good luck deciphering where the team might turn. Here's a look at five factors influencing those decisions:

Pomeranz's status
How does this Padres bullpen go from good to elite? With a healthy Drew Pomeranz.

Since he signed his four-year deal before the 2020 season, the veteran left-hander has posted a 1.62 ERA. He also has managed to pitch only 44 1/3 innings.

Pomeranz is coming off flexor tendon surgery on his left elbow, which cost him the entire 2022 season. He has set his sights on Opening Day, and he might be on course for it. Pomeranz faced hitters for the second time on Friday, and he reportedly has regained the life on his pitches that eluded him when he tried to make a late-season return last year before he was shut down.

"What I saw [Friday] was great," Melvin said. "... Progress on his end."

The Padres won't rush Pomeranz for Opening Day. They'd rather have him available in October than April. He’ll face hitters at least once more before appearing in a game.

Musgrove's return
One obvious factor in the bullpen race: How many places are actually available?

Starting pitcher Joe Musgrove, who fractured his left big toe two weeks ago, is still targeting the Opening Day roster -- and Melvin touted his progress. But an IL stint is still possible for Musgrove. If that's the case, maybe the Padres ditch their plan to begin the year with a six-man rotation.

"It just depends on how quickly he comes back," Melvin said. "... Originally it looked [like he would be out] a lot longer. Now, all of a sudden, you have to take that variable into [account]. How long's he going to be out, and what's needed?"

The Padres have an off-day after their season-opening six-game homestand. Musgrove could return after two trips through the rotation, with essentially the same effect as a six-man rotation.

If that's the case, and the Padres are content to begin the year with five starters, that leaves three places available in the ’pen.

How much length do the Padres need?
The handful of starters vying for the No. 6 spot are also in the mix for a length role in the bullpen.

An early standout? Left-hander Jay Groome. Even if the Padres don't have a rotation place available, Groome might be pitching his way onto the roster. He's yet to allow a run in four appearances, covering 10 2/3 innings.

"He's now starting games against a little bit more Major League quality, as far as the hitters go," Melvin said. "He keeps getting a little bit more thrown at him, and he continues to do equally as well as he has since the first outing."

Also in the mix for a length role: Adrian Morejon, Brent Honeywell Jr., Ryan Weathers and Julio Teheran.

Rule 5 considerations
If these were the 2017 Padres, Rule 5 Draft pick Jose Lopez would have a spot on the roster. But these are not the 2017 Padres (who plucked and kept three Rule 5 players throughout an entire season). No, these are the ’23 Padres -- a team with clear championship ambitions and no room for error in the National League West.

As such, Lopez -- whose stuff is regarded very highly -- does not appear to have performed to a level worthy of a roster spot. The 24-year-old left-hander has allowed eight runs and 12 baserunners in four Cactus League innings.

Spring performances and health
Right-hander Steven Wilson, who posted a 3.06 ERA in his rookie season and pitched meaningful October innings, entered camp as a roster favorite. He has done little to jeopardize that spot.

"I'm just trying to, honestly, come into camp and dominate and make the team again,” said Wilson, who had notched three scoreless outings this spring ahead of a scheduled appearance Sunday. “I don't think anything's ever guaranteed, so I'm trying to do what I can to be on this team and help them win."

Meanwhile, right-hander Craig Stammen is no longer an option for the Opening Day roster after injuring his shoulder. Stammen had pitched scoreless ball before he exited his outing Friday. But lefties José Castillo and Ray Kerr have tossed a pair of scoreless outings apiece. Weathers, Teheran and Honeywell have looked sharp at times.

"There's a lot of guys that are pitching well," Melvin said. "Which makes it even more difficult to make decisions. ... It's a good thing, but it's something that's going to play out."