For most of spring training, it appeared Scott Eyre would be the Phillies' lone lefty reliever. But they acquired Jack Taschner from the San Francisco Giants in a March 27 trade, and rookie J.A. Happ secured a spot in the bullpen after losing the No. 5 starter competition to Chan Ho Park, giving the Phillies three left-handed relievers on their opening-night roster.

Their roles may change, but early in the season, manager Charlie Manuel likely will use Eyre to cover Romero's late-inning duties. Taschner will pitch in the middle innings, and Happ is slated to be the Phillies' long reliever.

Eyre, 36, was impressive late last season after being acquired in an August trade with the Chicago Cubs. He went 3-0 with a 1.88 ERA and struck out 18 in 14 1/3 innings for the Phillies. Including the postseason, he allowed runs in only three of 26 appearances.

Taschner, 30, is eager for a fresh start with the Phillies. He was drafted by the Giants in 1999 and spent his entire career with San Francisco until being obtained for backup catcher Ronny Paulino.

"For the first time in my life, I don't care what my role is," Taschner said. "Whether it's the late or early innings, I'm happy to be here."

Happ, meanwhile, has been a starter throughout his minor league career, and the Phillies still view him as a future rotation candidate. But he was a member of the World Series-winning bullpen and allowed one run in three innings of Game 3 of the NL Championship Series.

"It's just your routine that's different," Happ said. "At first, it'll probably just be about pitching effectively, and then, we'll see what it turns into."