GOODYEAR, Ariz: The Indians gained some clarity with their bullpen situation on Saturday, informing relief pitcher Joba Chamberlain that he’ll make the Opening Day roster.
Chamberlain, in camp as a non-roster invitee, is the fifth reliever to nail down a spot in the bullpen, joining Cody Allen, Bryan Shaw, Jeff Manship and Zach McAllister. Tommy Hunter will be in that mix around mid-May when he has recovered from core muscle surgery.
“In a week when you have a lot of tough conversations, that was certainly one of the more rewarding ones,” said Indians manager Terry Francona. “It’s nice when you’re making difficult decisions but guys step up, kinda like [Tyler] Naquin, and accept the challenge.