(SportsRadio 610) -- If there is any concern about the Houston Astros this season, it's the uncertainty in their bullpen.
They lost key reliever Will Harris in free agency to the Washington Nationals.
Joe Smith is likely out for the season with family concerns related to the coronavirus.
Their setup man, Ryan Pressly, might become the closer temporarily while Roberto Osuna works his way into shape.
The younger pitchers on this staff have an opportunity to make an impression with so many gaps to fill in the bullpen.
Cy Sneed, a heavily bearded right-handed pitcher who lives in Alaska during the offseason, was the first to appear in relief during Monday's exhibition game against the Kansas City Royals.
He was solid, giving up just two hits in his three innings of work. A two-run homer given up to Bubba Starling in the eighth inning was his only blemish, which manager Dusty Baker attributed to fatigue.
"Cy Sneed threw the ball well, even though he got a little tired at the end," Baker said. "We stretched him out a little bit more, probably a couple of more batters than we wanted to, but this is what training is all about."
Sneed could play a number of roles for the Astros' pitching staff. He could fit as a spot starter and in short or long relief, given how well he controls the strike zone.
When asked after the game, Sneed said he's not sure where he will fit in, but he's hoping to do whatever the team needs.
Relievers have to face a minimum of three batters this season, which Sneed said is an interesting wrinkle in the game.
"I like it. It doesn't bother me at all," Sneed said. "I feel like I'm pretty good against each bat side. So for me, personally, I don't have a problem with it. Maybe it speeds the game up a little bit, maybe it doesn't. But it is an interesting little twist we've got to do this year."
Sneed admitted it feels weird running onto the field without fans in the stands, but once the hitter is in the box, the game is the same.
In getting ready for the season, Sneed's worked on his cutter. He made one mistake with the cutter against Starling, but Sneed expects the pitch to be a strength for him this season.
"This guy throws strikes," Baker said. "He threw quality strikes. He worked quickly, keeps our defense on their toes. He's certainly not scared or nervous. He has an excellent cutter and he works both sides of the plate. So, he could fit a lot of roles."
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