Bench

1. Blue Jays
2. Red Sox
3. Orioles
4. Yankees
5. Rays

As of this writing, a few teams are still trying to sort out their final Opening Day bench spots. The Blue Jays are shaping up to have a pretty good one. Their backup infielders include Yangervis Solarte, who was a solid everyday player for San Diego for several years, and Aledmys Diaz, a rookie All-Star in 2016 who slumped last year. In the outfield, Toronto boasts promising youngster Teoscar Hernandez and ex-Oriole lefty-masher Pearce.

Boston’s bench will include renaissance man Blake Swihart, who can play first base and outfield and serve as a third catcher. Veteran infielder Eduardo Nunez provided a jolt after the Red Sox acquired him last season, and one of Mitch Moreland and Hanley Ramirez will be available for pinch-hitting duty most days.

The Orioles might use their bench more than usual this season with intriguing rookies Chance Sisco and Anthony Santander available, along with veteran Craig Gentry spelling Rasmus against lefty pitchers. They lack a true utility infielder, though, and will instead carry bat-first Danny Valencia. The Yankees’ bench, with light-hitting backup catcher Austin Romine (.577 career OPS) and declining veteran Ellsbury, is a bit suspect.

Remember Brandon Snyder? The now 31-year-old former Orioles’ catching prospect is still kicking around and could make the Rays’ Opening Day roster as a utility man. Overall, it’s not a deep group.

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