SURPRISE, Ariz. - Strange as this sounds, wrapped inside a spring winless streak reached seven games Wednesday with only a week to go before the regular season start was actual relief over the spring's biggest issue.
Important bullpen arms took a step forward.
While Matt Moore failed to get an out in the third, a quartet of significant relievers combined for four scoreless innings in a 5-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs. Potential closer Keone Kela, Chris Martin, Matt Bush and Jose Leclerc allowed one hit, one walk and struck out six.
"It was an excellent day for them," manager Jeff Banister said.