Brennan Bernardino: Everything you need to know

Bernardino will serve as the Rockies' opening pitcher Saturday against the Phillies. The Phillies typically use lefty sluggers Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper atop their lineup, so the Rockies will counter by sending the left-handed Bernardino to the mound for the first inning. The 34-year-old has fired three scoreless innings to begin the season, giving up two hits, no walks and striking out one batter in the process. Chase Dollander is expected to pitch in bulk relief once Bernardino exits the game.

Bernardino (1-0) earned the win in relief after tossing a scoreless inning against the Blue Jays on Wednesday. Bernardino entered the game in the ninth inning and tossed a scoreless inning, needing only 11 pitches (eight strikes) to get the job done. Bernardino has enjoyed a solid start to the season and has yet to allow a run across four outings and 3.0 innings, allowing two hits and posting a 1:0 K:BB in that span.

Bernardino (lat) faced outfielder Zac Veen as part of a live batting practice session Sunday, Patrick Lyons of JustBaseball.com reports. Bernardino's ability to face hitters within the first week of spring training suggests that he's made a full recovery from the left lat strain that forced him to the injured list this past September. The Red Sox shipped the veteran reliever to the Rockies this offseason, and he'll likely head into 2026 as his new team's top option against left-handed hitters. The southpaw has limited lefties to a .270 wOBA over his four-year big-league career.