Brayan Bello starts the opener on Thursday night in Seattle for a Red Sox team with two straight last-place finishes and tempered expectations.

Boston will have just one left-handed reliever on its roster for Opening Day, unless it makes a late move.

Rodriguez is expected to be one of two left-handed relievers in Boston’s bullpen.

Rafaela is expected to be Boston’s starting center fielder, though he could also see time at shortstop and second base.

Cooper Criswell, who was also battling for a spot in the rotation, is optioned to Triple-A Worcester.

Joely Rodriguez and Lucas Luetge can opt out of their contracts if they don’t get a spot on the Opening Day roster.

Brayan Bello, 24, signed a $55 million contract earlier this month and will be Boston’s youngest Opening Day since Aaron Sele in 1995.

Kenley Jansen was held out of Monday’s game with back stiffness, but is set to throw Tuesday. ‘It needs to happen,’ says Manager Alex Cora.

Lucas Giolito was able to avoid ligament replacement surgery, which he had on Aug. 31, 2012.