Colorado Rockies: Potential surprises on the Opening Day roster

DENVER, CO - APRIL 23: Pitcher Harrison Musgrave #59 of the Colorado Rockies makes his Major League debut in the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field on April 23, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - APRIL 23: Pitcher Harrison Musgrave #59 of the Colorado Rockies makes his Major League debut in the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field on April 23, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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Harrison Musgrave

Musgrave will turn 27 on March 3 and will be celebrating his birthday by being in the middle of a fierce competition for an Opening Day roster spot in the bullpen.

The southpaw is one of just four relievers who are left-handed, which could be a big boost to his chances to make his first-ever Opening Day roster appearance. He made a big splash in his rookie season last year, throwing in 35 games and hurling 44.2 innings. He was particularly effective at Coors Field, allowing just two home runs among 17 hits during 30.1 innings of work. Meanwhile, he allowed 19 hits in 14.1 innings on the road and saw his ERA more than double (3.26 versus 7.53).

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He also ended the season strong, posting a 2.79 ERA in 9.2 innings over 10 games.

Colorado manager Bud Black has talked this offseason about how important it is for Chris Rusin and Jake McGee to rediscover themselves in 2019. If either falters in the spring, don’t be surprised if Musgrave is given every chance to earn his place in the bullpen over either of the two veterans.