Opening Day 2026--Relievers
Mar 27 2026
Not counting the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants Netflix game, Opening Day for the majority of teams is something of a sacred holiday. You cannot take much from one game. Yes, Paul Skenes (RHP, PIT) got clobbered by the New York Mets, but that doesn't mean much as a data point, especially if you did not know about the adventures of Oneil Cruz (OF, PIT) out in center field that first inning.
But one thing we can start to examine right away is how a manager handled the scenario with his bullpen. Some of these games were blowouts and some were unusual enough that there is not much of a takeaway. But some games can give us some insight. This column just cherry picks a few.
Let's start with the Baltimore Orioles 2-1 win over the
Almost!
You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!
Already a subscriber? Sign in here
More From Relief Pitchers
Checking in on the Twins, Tigers, Angels, Rangers and Athletics pens for Opening Day.
Mar 20 2026 3:10am
Mar 20 2026 3:10am
Checking in on the Nationals, Cardinals, Diamondbacks and Rockies pens for Opening Day.
Mar 20 2026 3:09am
Mar 20 2026 3:09am
These relievers are the ones with the best chance at profit after the first 30 relievers are taken (and after the first 125 pitchers overall) in NFBC 15-team mixed leagues.
Mar 15 2026 3:05am
Mar 15 2026 3:05am
This column covers relievers who might cost you a lot chasing saves but then fizzle out because of skills or injury risk.
Mar 8 2026 3:07am
Mar 8 2026 3:07am
This is the annual sleepers column, but let's be honest: There are no sleepers. There are relievers with great skills who are cheaper than they should be ... and that's what you want anyway.
Mar 1 2026 3:03am
Mar 1 2026 3:03am
