While the Pirates have more than a few intriguing arms vying for spots in the bullpen this spring, there are others who are locks for roles.

The Pirates deployed their big guns in this afternoon's 6-1 win over the Orioles here at LECOM Park, as Dennis Santana, Gregory Soto, Justin Lawrence, Isaac Mattson and Mason Montgomery were among the relievers used to cover innings after Mitch Keller's departure in the third. 

Those five relievers combined to allow an unearned run on two hits with two walks and six strikeouts over five innings. Kyle Nicolas, who could very well factor into the bullpen as well, allowed two hits and struck out a batter in a scoreless ninth inning of his own. 

"For me, it was like the season," Santana said afterwards. "That's how the season goes. That's the same group we had last year, except for Soto, so it felt nice to have your guys that you're going to have during the season." 

The nucleus of the Pirates' bullpen provides a little bit of everything in terms of different pitch selections, velocity and overall experience. But it may help their cause that they're so different. Opposing teams aren't going to get the same look every time a new arm comes in in hopes of shutting down a game for the starting rotation. 

"That's the good thing," Santana said. "We've got people who throw mid 90s to 100, then you got sinker ballers and guys who throw sliders. We got a good group, a mixed group, and I think it's going to be good."