Mariners' Dan Altavilla: Expected to be setup man
Altavilla is expected to break camp as the setup man to closer Edwin Diaz, The Seattle Times reports.
Analysis:
Altavilla is one of the few right-handed power arms in the bullpen not dealing with an injury. When Steve Cishek (hip), Tony Zych (biceps) and Shae Simmons (forearm) return from injury, Altavilla could be sent to Triple-A Tacoma to close. But none of that trio is expected to be ready for Opening Day, and if Altavilla handles the job well in April, he likely will hang onto it. He's had a good camp with his high-90s fastball and tough slider. And at this point, if Diaz goes down, Altavilla, who had 16 saves for Double-A Jackson last year, is the favorite to close.
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