Diamondbacks’ Randall Delgado to Get a Shot at 2016 Rotation

Aug 22, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Randall Delgado throws against the Cincinnati Reds in the second inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Much like the field of Republican Presidential candidates, the Arizona Diamondbacks figure to have a bevy of arms contending for their 2016 rotation. You can now add Randall Delgado to the host of others that are vying to be a part of the starting five.

More from Venom Strikes

According to Steve Gilbert at mlb.com, Arizona plans on letting Delgado audition for starting gig during Spring Training. Manager Chip Hale had this to say:

"In Spring Training [next year] Dave and Tony they’d like to see him as a starter, so he’s going to be thought of in that way,” Hale said referring to GM Dave Stewart and chief baseball officer Tony La Russa. But we always know the flexibility he gives us in the bullpen is important."

The right-handed Delgado made one start this past Saturday, allowing four earned runs in 2 1/3 innings in Cincinnati, a game the Snakes won by a score of 11-7. In 2013, all but one of Delgado’s 20 appearances were starts as he went 5-7 with an ERA of 4.26. The most freighting stat that year was the fact he allowed 24 home runs in only 116 1/3 innings. The 25-year old Delgado also made four starts in 2014, the last being a four inning outing vs. the San Francisco Giants on September 11th.

Delgado figures to be a long shot. The definite starters for 2016 are Patrick Corbin, Rubby De La Rosa and Jeremy Hellickson. You can probably throw Chase Anderson in there as well unless he totally bombs down the stretch. Other names to look for are Aaron Blair and Archie Bradley , both of whom will be in the rotation unless they implode during Spring Training. You can even tell by Hale’s comments how much more valuable Delgado is in the bullpen. I wouldn’t expect to see him in the rotation next year unless it is an emergency.

Schedule