Rockies' Jordan Lyles: Lack of options benefits chances of making team

Lyles has a good chance of making the Opening Day roster due to the fact that he's out of minor league options, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Lyles broke camp last season with a rotation spot in hand, but he was simply atrocious in five starts (8.55 ERA, 2.05 WHIP). However, the right-hander picked things up after he rejoined the major league squad as a long reliever in June, posting an improved 4.42 ERA and 1.45 WHIP. He doesn't strike out enough batters to warrant much excitement if he does make the team as a reliever, but a roster spot is better than being designated for assignment and could also lead to a few spot starts over the course of the year.