PHOENIX -- Step 1 in building the 2018 version of the D-backs' bullpen focused on trying to strengthen the back end to help offset the loss of free agent Fernando Rodney.
The team felt it did that by trading for right-hander Brad Boxberger and signing Japanese right-hander Yoshihisa Hirano to go along with returning setup man Archie Bradley.
Step 2 took place last week, when the D-backs signed five veteran relievers to Minor League contracts with an invitation to Spring Training.
Right-handers Michael Blazek, Kris Medlen, Fernando Salas and Neftali Feliz along with lefty Antonio Bastardo have different pitching styles and backgrounds, but the signing of them goes along with a strategy the D-backs employed last season to provide competition during Spring Training.