Connor Seabold, Gavin Hollowell battling for Rockies' final bullpen spot
Mar. 26—SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Connor Seabold hasn't been a reliever since his college days at Cal State-Fullerton.
Making that transition, though, could be the key to landing a spot on the Rockies' opening day roster. Seabold, acquired from the Red Sox in January, is one of two relievers in contention for the final spot in the Rockies' bullpen. Gavin Hollowell, who spent part of camp sidelined with a back injury, is also being considered.
"You try not to think about it, but you have to think about it. It's going to pop in your head. I can only control what I am able to control," Seabold told The Denver Gazette Sunday. "I'm here this late for a reason. I just have to know wherever I end up that they like me."
Seabold was drafted by Boston in 2017 and made his debut for the team in 2021. He did not fare well in his six major league starts with the Red Sox, allowing 23 earned runs in 18.1 innings pitched.
He had success in the minors, though, and entered his first spring training with the Rockies as a starter. Colorado, already confident with its five starters, didn't have an immediate need for Seabold to be stretched out. So they approached him after his outing against the Giants March 10 and asked him to spend the rest of camp trying out a bullpen role.
