Quote from Randy Manese on March 26, 2024, 9:23 am

Concur that Brito would be the #6 starter, however,  I think Shildt will try to stretch out his starters early in the season getting as many effective innings out of them as he can before he pulls the plug.  If that is the case, we want to keep our long relief guys (at this point Brito and either Avila or Morejon) ready to bridge the gap for 2-4 innings, if necessary.

Of our RPs, only Cosgrove and Brito (and Morejon if selected over Avila) have options but we should have at least 3 LH RP in the bullpen, which is rare.  We also have a plethora of RPs down in El Paso with options many of whom were very effective in ST; those guys could rotate through when needed or come in if guys like Avila and Kolek, who have no options, fail.  They could also come in if there are injuries to the older RP staff - thinking here of Estrada, Jacob, Go and Reynolds (probably in that order).  Darkhorse candidate:  Javien Sandridge (LH RP).

But there are other possibilities.  By mid-season at the latest, you'll know if any of the San Antonio guys - Bergert, Mazur, Krob or even Snelling - are ready for the long relief/#6 starter role along with Vasquez.  Potentially, the depth of pitching at the upper minor league levels could be a strength for the major league Padres this year.