Both Andrew Chafin and Vidal Nuno made starts for the Diamondbacks last season. Despite this, if there going to make the Diamondbacks 25 man roster, it will have to be in the bullpen.
Both pitchers were taken out of the pool of candidates by Manager Chip Hale, with eight pitchers still vying for the final three spots.
Josh Collmenter has already been named the Opening Night starter, and despite his poor performance in his last outing, Jeremy Hellickson has a guaranteed spot in the rotation.
Nine pitchers are still in the mix: Trevor Cahill, Rubby De La Rosa, Allen Webster, Randall Delgado, Chase Anderson, Archie Bradley, Robbie Ray, Daniel Hudson, and Yoan Lopez.
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My Thoughts:
Competition competition competition. That is what has made this years spring camp practically interesting to watch. So many interesting story-lines, and every pitch of every outing matters.
Competition only brings out the best in everybody, and hopefully it will result in the five best guys for the rotation.
Yoan Lopez and Daniel Hudson seem to be long shots.
Lopez was signed to the largest signing bonus for an international free agent this winter, but he is still young and I think he needs to start the year off in the minors to fine tune his command and control. He has been inconsistent.
Hale has already said that Hudson will be on the team, but his role is still to be determined. Personally I think it would be best for him to start in the pen and build his arm back up. Robbie Ray is probably also a long shot but who knows.
Chase Anderson won nine games for the team last season, and seems to have an edge to earn one of the spots at least in General manager Dave Stewart’s mind. I think he will get one spot.
Randall Delgado and Trevor Cahill have looked really good this spring. Cahill’s new mechanics are working really well, and Delgado posted scoreless innings in his outing against the Angels. In a B game today against the Rockies he allowed two unearned runs over four innings.
Rubby De La Rosa has also looked really good, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he wins a spot. Allen Webster on the other hand hasn’t fared well. I don’t think Bradley will make the opening rotation, but we probably will see him in the bigs soon.
Here is my projected rotation to this point:
1. Josh Collmenter
2. Jeremy Hellickson
3. Chase Anderson
4. Trevor Cahill
5. Rubby De La Rosa/Randall Delgado