Three Pitchers Excluded from Club's Final Roster Decisions

As the exhibition schedule nears its conclusion, three relief pitchers have been informed they will not make the initial roster. Manager John Schneider confirmed on Sunday that right-handed pitchers Angel Bastardo, Yariel Rodriguez, and Jorge Alcala were not selected for the team. Conversely, reliever Tommy Nance has secured a spot on the team, as stated by Schneider during the broadcast of a recent game. The club secured a decisive 14-1 victory over an opposing team, a game in which George Springer and another player both contributed home runs. Bastardo, a Rule 5 selection, must now be offered back to the Boston Red Sox or could be acquired through trade for his full rights. The 23-year-old from Venezuela missed the 2025 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. His initial game appearances with the organization occurred this spring, where he pitched in seven games, recording a 4.70 ERA with five strikeouts and seven walks. Rodriguez, 29, was removed from the club's 40-man roster in December, which impacted his chances for a bullpen role in 2026. He pitched 6.0 innings this spring, including time with Cuba at the World Baseball Classic, and surrendered seven runs. In 2025, Rodriguez was a key reliever for the team, achieving a 3.24 ERA.