New York Yankees outfielder Jay Bruce (30) (Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports)
Not all veterans usually find their way onto a Major League roster when they enter spring training on a minor-league contract. Consider right-handed pitchers Ivan Nova and Hector Rondon, as well as catcher Jeff Mathis, all non-roster invitee veterans who were recently released by the Philadelphia Phillies after being told they would not make the Opening Day roster.
Former Phillies slugger Jay Bruce has been a rare exception, finding his way not only onto the Opening Day roster for the New York Yankees, but also into a starter role at first base.