Tate hopes to be considered as a closer option this season, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.
Cole Sulser and Tanner Scott are the leading closer candidates for now, but manager Brandon Hyde hasn't provided much insight to specific roles for bullpen arms. Tate was solid last year with a 4.39 ERA and 1.24 WHIP, though his 49:23 K:BB doesn't profile well for a closing role unless he can trim the walk rate a bit. The right-hander added three saves, seven holds and two blown saves while posting an 0-6 record in 62 appearances. Tate has yet to allow a run or a walk in three Grapefruit League outings this season, striking out three in 3.1 innings.