The D-backs haven’t had the best start to spring, winning just one of four games, and that victory coming by a single run in the opener. They’ve lost three in a row since, and have conceded an average of ten runs per game in that time. The offense has been doing a reasonable job, its .752 OPS sitting in the middle of the pack (13th across baseball). But the pitching has an ugly ERA, just shy of eight. However, it is fair to say that hardly any innings have been thrown by players whom we can confidently state will be on the Opening Day roster. Looking at our last projection, only two of the 35 IP (by Taylor Clarke and Kade Stroud) fall into that category, zero by starting pitchers. That’ll change today. Sort of.
Followed by some of: LHP Brandyn Garcia, RHP Andrew Hoffmann, LHP Philip Abner, RHP Isaiah Campbell,
RHP John Curtiss, RHP Taylor Rashi, RHP Bryce Jarvis, RHP Jose Cabrera, RHP Zane Russell and
LHP Carlos Rey. It’s the D-backs debut of Michael Soroka, who was originally signed to fill a gap in the rotation. However, the subsequent signings of Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen have moved him down the depth chart, to the point where his job is uncertain. Being paid $7.5 million means his roster spot won’t be in danger. But whether he’ll be a starter or a reliever is yet to be decided. Today marks the start of that process.
No broadcast available again today for this one, so follow along on Gameday.