The Tampa Bay Rays were forward thinkings with their opener strategy last year, Ryne Stanek, Sergio Romo, and the like filled the opener role a year ago setting up guys like Ryan Yarbrough to come in around the second or third inning.
This strategy was loved and also hated by some in the media. Tampa Bay Rays fans have seemingly rallied around the opener. It is even featured on the Rays promotional schedule.
Players, outside of the Rays system have almost unanimously been against the opener strategy.
Giants hurler Madison Bumgardner said he is “Walking right out of the ballpark.