This story was excerpted from Rhett Bollinger¡¯s Angels Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

TEMPE, Ariz. -- After exploring the club¡¯s options for their final bench spot in last week¡¯s newsletter, this edition will take a look at the candidates for the final two spots in the bullpen with Opening Day right around the corner on Thursday in Baltimore.

Carlos Est¨¦vez, Matt Moore, Luis Garc¨ªa, Jos¨¦ Cisnero, Adam Cimber and Jos¨¦ Suarez are all considered locks to be in the bullpen, leaving two open spots. Right-hander Robert Stephenson, who was signed to a three-year deal worth $33 million, is dealing with right shoulder discomfort and will open the season on the injured list. Fellow right-hander Jos¨¦ Soriano was expected to be part of the bullpen but is currently being stretched out to start with his final outing of the spring set for Friday against the White Sox.

There remains a chance the Angels could decide to move Soriano back into the bullpen, so he is still in the mix for one of those final two spots. But he remains more likely to stay stretched out in the Minor Leagues to give the club more starting pitching depth. Here¡¯s a look at four other candidates who are trying to make the Opening Day roster as a reliever:

RHP Guillermo Zu?iga

Zu?iga had one rough outing that has caused him to have a 6.75 ERA in eight innings, but he¡¯s struck out 11 and hasn¡¯t walked a batter this spring. His control was deemed to be his biggest issue, as he throws plenty hard with a fastball that routinely hits triple digits. The 25-year-old was claimed via waivers from the Cardinals on Feb. 7 after recording a 7.63 ERA with 37 strikeouts and 20 walks in 30 2/3 innings at Triple-A Memphis last year. But if Zu?iga can put it together, he has the stuff to be a solid reliever and has made a strong impression this camp. He¡¯s on the 40-man roster and has Minor League options, but it looks more likely he¡¯ll make the team.

RHP Hunter Strickland

Strickland nearly retired after being released by the Reds last May, but he signed a Minor League deal with the Angels on Feb. 22 to give it another shot. Strickland, 35, has pitched well this spring, posting a 2.70 ERA with 14 strikeouts and no walks in 10 innings. He gave up a homer Monday but bounced back to throw two scoreless innings on Wednesday. Like Zu?iga, Strickland hasn¡¯t walked a batter this spring. He brings nine years of experience and a 3.41 ERA, including a short nine-game stint with the Angels in 2021. He would have to be added to the 40-man roster to make the club, but it¡¯s increasingly likely he will make the team.