Guardians' Opening Day Roster Takes Shape

We are narrowing down to the final 26

As expected, we are getting clarity on the Guardians' Opening Day roster plans today with tweets from Tim Stebbins of MLB. com saying that Juan Brito, Angel Martinez and Johnathan Rodriguez are headed to Columbus and that Koby Allard, Vince Velazquez and Parker Mushinski have been informed they won't make the roster.

Stephen Vogt said the second base job is still being decided between Gabriel Arias, Tyler Freeman and Daniel Schneemann. Interestingly, Freeman is getting the start at second base with Rocchio today, as Arias plays third and Schneemann plays center.

So, the roster likely looks something like:

Catchers: Bo Naylor and Austin Hedges

First Basemen/DH's: Carlos Santana and Kyle Manzardo

Infielders/Outfielders: Gabriel Arias, Daniel Schneemann and Tyler Freeman.

Shortstop: Brayan Rocchio

Third Base: Jose Ramirez

Outfielders: Steven Kwan, Lane Thomas, Will Brennan and Jhonkensy Noel

The greatest intrigue will lie in if the team indicates that one of Arias, Freeman or Schneemann will be the starter at short the majority of the time as they did with Rocchio last Spring.

So, the pitching is something like:

Rotation: Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, Luis Ortiz, Ben Lively and Triston McKenzie.

Bullpen: Logan Allen, Andrew Walters, Jakob Junis, Paul Sewald, Tim Herrin, Hunter Gaddis, Cade Smith and Emmanuel Clase

The only intrigue here would seem to be if Joey Cantillo makes the roster, sending Allen to Columbus or McKenzie to a DFA. All possible, but I suspect Cantillo starts in Columbus while McKenzie gets his last shot. McKenze or Allen could also swap spots; I suspect McKenzie will get first shot to start, but he could swap roles with Allen as the longman also.

Remember every season involves a lot of roster turnover so no need to overreact. I'm just excited to see this team play games that count!