The Arizona Diamondbacks have announced their 2022 Opening Day Roster with a few surprises, but it's mostly what we predicted a few days ago. The roster has 16 pitchers, 2-3 catchers (depending on how you view Varsho), 8 infielders, and 5-6 outfielders, depending on Varsho. You may think that adds up to 32 players which are 4 over the 28-man roster. More on the new rules regarding the 28-man roster here. However, the team has placed 4 players on the Injured List to begin the year, J.B. Bukauskas, Nick Ahmed, Josh Rojas, and Jordan Luplow are all on the injured list. For the latest news on their injuries, click here.
This roster isn't meant to truly compete for the title, but rather develop further for next year when our best prospects should be starting Opening Day for the team in 2023. This is a growing year, albeit one with tons of excitement. The team has a ton of youth and players eager to prove themselves in the majors.
Your 2022 Opening Day #Dbacks! pic.twitter.com/tI5qjlgClB
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) April 7, 2022
A few surprises are Sean Poppen, as i thought they would go with jake Hager instead of another pitcher. Instead, Hager was sent to Triple-AAA. Perdomo is the team's starting shortstop while Drew Ellis gets first crack at third base due to Rojas being injured. Jake McCarthy replaces Jordan Luplow as the 4th outfielder.
This will be a fun season Dbacks fans. The record matters, but the development of our young pitchers is more important. If we see players develop a ton over this year, that's way better than the team just reaching 70 wins, although getting a 14+ win rise would be amazing too. Seeing Zac Gallen and Ketel Marte push for the All-Star Game will be great too. Let's have a great year fans! Arizona Diamondbacks baseball is back!