MARCH 10, 2023 • AZCENTRAL.COM
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS 89-73 · 2024 3RD IN NL WEST
89-73 · 2024 3RD IN NL WEST
Arizona Diamondbacks and Team Mexico outfielder Alek Thomas readies for WBC Alek Thomas and Team Mexico worked out before start of World Baseball Classic Friday at Chase Field.
Scott McGough - Continues scoreless run McGough allowed one walk and struck out three over a scoreless fifth inning in Wednesday's spring game against Texas.
Impact Wednesday's base on balls is the lone blemish for McGough, who has yet to allow a run or hit over four Cactus League innings. "He has the ability to mix his pitches and throw them all for strikes. And the ability to understand when he needs a swing and miss moment and when he needs to bury a pitch," manager Torey Lovullo told Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. The 33-year-old right-hander pitched the last four seasons in Japan, serving as the closer for the Yakult Swallows. The Diamondbacks signed him to compete for a role in late-game situations, and McGough has shown himself capable.
MARCH 9, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Tommy Henry - Logs four scoreless Henry allowed three runs and struck out three without walking a batter over four scoreless innings in Wednesday's spring start against the Rangers.
Impact Henry made his third Cactus League start and has improved after a rocky initial appearance. The key, according to manager Torey Lovullo, was the pitcher landing his offspeed stuff effectively. "Tommy was aggressive with a three-pitch mix," Lovullo told Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. "He seemed like he could throw the breaking ball at any time to get him back in the count. He gave us four unbelievable innings." With this outing, Henry may have altered the narrative for the fifth starter's job, which was previously thought to be a competition between Drey Jameson and Ryne Nelson. Prospect Brandon Pfaadt, who starts Friday, is also in the mix.
MARCH 9, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Ryne Nelson - Throws B game Nelson allowed four runs on three hits and one walk while striking out six over 2.2 innings in a "B" game against the Rangers on Tuesday, Theo Mackie of the Arizona Republic report...
Impact Nelson made two Cactus League starts prior to this back-field work, and he's allowed multiple runs in all three appearances, although this third outing was the best of the lot. He's had issues throwing quality strikes this spring, but the right-hander was able to land his off-speed stuff in the zone Tuesday. Nelson is competing primarily with Drey Jameson for the final rotation spot, with Tommy Henry and Brandon Pfaadt in the mix to a lesser extent.
MARCH 9, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Andrew Chafin - Gets days off Chafin is experiencing groin tightness and is getting a few days off.
Impact Chafin has appeared in three Cactus League games, allowing four runs on four hits and five walks while striking out two over 2.2 innings. He's part of the relief crew that could pick up saves in what manager Torey Lovullo describes as a "fluid" closer role.
MARCH 9, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Pavin Smith - Weekend return expected Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Smith (back) is expected to return to action this weekend, Theo Mackie of the Arizona Republic reports.
Impact Smith missed the last few days after experiencing back spams. The left-handed hitter has begun to take batting practice at-bats. In a lineup that already tilts lefty, Smith is competing with righty-swingers Kyle Lewis and Emmanuel Rivera for a bench spot.
MARCH 9, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Madison Bumgarner - Throwing B game Friday Bumgarner will throw in a "B" game against the Cubs on Friday, Theo Mackie of the Arizona Republic reports.
Impact This will be Bumgarner's second spring outing. The left-hander his scheduled to throw four innings and 55 pitches. Prospect Brandon Pfaadt will start Friday's Cactus League game against the Reds.
MARCH 9, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
MLB 26-and-under power rankings: No. 12 Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks check in at No. 12 in our comprehensive ranking of each MLB franchise's 26-and-under talent. Here's why.MARCH 9, 2023
Goldschmidt's HR highlights U.S. team's loss to Giants
A U.S. lineup expected to provide plenty of power managed just four hits in a 5-1 exhibition loss to the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday night ahead of the team's participation i...MARCH 9, 2023 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Rotation battle comes into focus for D-Backs as spring training hits home stretch The biggest roster battle for the Diamondbacks is in their rotation, where Drey Jameson and Ryne Nelson are batting it out for the fifth spo...
MARCH 9, 2023 • AZCENTRAL.COM
Photos: Rangers vs. Diamondbacks spring Photos from the spring training game between the Texas Rangers and the Arizona Diamondbacks played on March 8, 2023.
MARCH 9, 2023 • AZCENTRAL.COM
Henry spot on in bid to make D-backs' rotation SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Tommy Henry's appearances have gotten better each time out this spring with Wednesday’s start in the D-backs’ 2-0 win o...
MARCH 8, 2023 • MLB.COM
Jon Gray Dazzles in Rangers Loss to Diamondbacks The Texas Rangers dropped another Cactus League matchup on Wednesday to the Arizona Diamondbacks despite a stellar performance from starter...
MARCH 8, 2023 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM
High-A Hillsboro Hops building $120 million ballpark
The minor league Hillsboro Hops plan to build a $120 million ballpark near the site of their current stadiumMARCH 8, 2023 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Photos: Diamondbacks vs Athletics spring training Photos from the spring training game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Oakland A's played on March 7, 2023.
MARCH 8, 2023 • AZCENTRAL.COM
D-Backs' Zac Gallen tests 'gray area' of pitch clock in Cactus League debut Diamondbacks right-hander Zac Gallen was accused of “quick pitching” during the first inning his spring debut on Tuesday afternoon.
MARCH 8, 2023 • AZCENTRAL.COM
Notes: Gallen wants more in debut against A's SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Zac Gallen got in the amount of work the D-backs wanted him to in his first Cactus League appearance in Tuesday's 9-3 l...
MARCH 8, 2023 • MLB.COM
Kyle Lewis - Swats dinger Tuesday Lewis went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Tuesday's spring game against the Ahletics.
Impact Lewis made his second spring appearance at designated hitter after missing time while building up strength in his legs. The right-handed hitting outfielder/DH is is on the same path as Lourdes Gurriel for playing time.
MARCH 8, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Zac Gallen - Pitches portions of four innings Gallen allowed four runs on three hits and four walks while striking out one over two innings in Tuesday's spring start against Oakland.
Impact Gallen pitched all of the first inning then portions of the second, third and fourth innings. A common thread in his first Cactus League start was base runners. Gallen's fastball velocity lived between 88 and 93 mph, per Michael McDermott of SI.com and his typical control was not there, but the good news is that he got up and down four times and threw 62 pitches. The 27-year-old right-hander said the ball felt good out of his hand. Arizona's No. 1 starter should be on track to start Opening Day.
MARCH 8, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Nick Ahmed - Makes spring debut Ahmed went 1-for-3 in Monday's spring game against the Royals.
Impact Ahmed made his Cactus League debut after missing a week due to forearm tightness. He struck out in his first two plate appearances before singling his third time through. His return to game action kicks off shortstop watch in camp. Ahmed, who turns 33 next week, and the 23-year-old Geraldo Perdomo will share the position, though it's unclear how the playing time will be divided.
MARCH 7, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Drey Jameson - Embraces changeup Jameson pitched better during his start Monday after going to his changeup, Steve Stockmar of MLB.com reports. "Early on in games, I don't want to use it if I don't have to," he sa...
Impact Jameson was worked by the Royals in the first couple of innings Monday, before manager Torey Lovullo removed him from the game with two outs in second frame. The manager brought Jameson back in for the third inning, and the right-hander was dialed in with the help of his changeup. The manager believes he was sharp but made mistakes on 0-2 pitches that hurt. Jameson pitched well in his first two Cactus League starts and is considered the frontrunner for the final rotation spot.
MARCH 7, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Drey Jameson - Cuffed around by Royals Jameson allowed three runs on four hits and one walk while striking out five over 2.2 innings in Monday's spring start against the Royals.
Impact Jameson gave up a first-inning home run then allowed several base runners in the second before being pulled. He came back out for the third inning to face one more batter in what was his first clunker in three Cactus League starts. Of the group battling for the final rotation spot, Jameson has been the best among Tommy Henry and Ryne Nelson.
MARCH 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Mark Melancon - Struggles again Melancon allowed two runs on three hits while striking out one over one inning in Monday's spring game against Kansas City.
Impact That makes two disappointing -- maybe alarming -- Cactus League outings by Melancon, who's given up five runs on nine hits over two innings this spring. While he was not named the sole closer, Melancon is expected to be part of the crew that closes out games, but not if results like this are the norm. Those speculating on Arizona saves may want to keep the names Andrew Chafin, Kevin Ginkel and Joe Mantiply handy. Of the group, Mantiply has the most success so far this spring.
MARCH 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Tyler Gilbert - Appears healthy for spring Gilbert (elbow) tossed two innings and gave up two runs on five hits while striking out one in his Cactus League debut Feb. 28 in the Diamondbacks' 4-1 loss to the White Sox.
Impact Gilbert closed the 2022 season on the 60-day injured list due to a left elbow sprain, but his return to game action early in the Diamondbacks' Cactus League slate offers encouragement that he's now moved past the health concern. Arizona removed Gilbert from its 40-man roster in December, so he could have a tough time getting another look in the majors unless he dazzles at Triple-A Reno. He struggled mightily over his 44 innings in the Pacific Coast League in 2022, logging a 7.57 ERA and 1.80 WHIP.
MARCH 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Nick Ahmed - Ready to go Monday Ahmed (forearm) is starting at shortstop and batting sixth Monday versus the Royals.
Impact Ahmed will make his spring training debut Monday after experiencing some inflammation in his right forearm, forcing him to miss the first week-and-a-half of action. The 32-year-old only played in 17 games last season while dealing with injury, producing a .231 average with three homers, seven RBI and seven runs scored over 52 at-bats.
MARCH 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
