The Arizona Diamondbacks' bullpen took a hit, as Kendall Graveman experienced another setback this spring. Manager Torey Lovullo told reporters, including Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports, that Graveman's back tightened up after throwing a live batting practice session.
Torey Lovullo said Kendall Graveman has experienced more back tightness since throwing to live hitters yesterday. His availability for Opening Day appears to be in jeopardy.
— Alex Weiner (@alexjweiner) March 12, 2025
It appeared that Graveman was on the path to return after imaging came back clean and he threw a bullpen. With Opening Day just two weeks away and the veteran reliever dealing with back problems, the question would be if it's better to shut him down and give him time to rest. Another setback also increases the probability that Graveman will open the 2025 season on the 15-day injured list.
The Diamondbacks signed Graveman to a one-year, $1.35 million contract at the start of Spring Training. He had missed all of the 2024 season with shoulder surgery but has a strong track record of pitching in the eighth inning for different teams, most recently the Houston Astros. He had a 2.74 ERA in 187.1 innings in the previous three seasons, which is the form that Arizona is hoping he bounces back to.
Who could the Diamondbacks turn to replace Graveman?
The loss of their eighth inning man stings a little for how they originally planned their bullpen, but the Diamondbacks have some capable arms to consider. It increases the odds that youngsters Bryce Jarvis and Drey Jameson could make the Opening Day roster. Jarvis got good bottom-line results in 2024 despite weak strikeout and walk numbers and Drey Jameson is the most explosive arm not named Justin Martinez.
Speaking of Martinez, there's a good chance he'll get a larger share of the late innings. There's still some focus lapses, as evidenced by his outing against the Cincinnati Reds on March 8, but is learning how to handle the pressure. He's in a competition with Kevin Ginkel and A.J. Puk for the closer role. Whoever loses out will still get a big role in the current bullpen as high-leverage relievers.
The Diamondbacks will roster eight relievers on their Opening Day roster. In addition to Martinez, Ginkel, and Puk, Joe Mantiply and Ryan Thompson are locks to make the club. They'll also make room for Jordan Montgomery as a long reliever if he is not dealt in the coming days, leaving just two spots open. Those two spots will likely go to Jarvis and Jameson.