With Spring Training in full effect, let's take a look at the Diamondbacks Spring Training roster. This roster is only those in MLB camp or in MLB uniform. Therefore, our lower prospects or those not on the 40-man roster aren't included here. They are at camp and may play in MLB spring training games, but they aren't in MLB camp. After the rosters, I'll take a look at 3 IMPORTANT questions that must be answered this Spring Training about the pitchers
So I don't digress about the ghost runner or any other random issues, let's begin.
Pitchers in Diamondbacks' Spring Training MLB Camp
Miguel Aguilar- Projected to start season in Reno Tripe-AAA Bullpen
Edwin Uceta- Waiver claim off Dodgers, projected to start in Triple-AAA Reno Bullpen.
Taylor Widener - Fighting for spot in MLB rotation/bullpen.
J.B. Wendelken - Fighting for spot in MLB Bullpen.
Corbin Martin - Fighting for a spot in MLB rotation/bullpen. Likely to start for Reno.
Dan Straily - Signed from Korea, fighting for spot in MLB rotation.
Keone Kela - Recovering from injury but will be in MLB Bullpen.
Junior Garcia - Depth pitcher, will be in Triple-AAA most likely to start season bullpen.
Caleb Smith - Competing for spot in set-up role in MLB bullpen.
Chris Devenski- Recovering from Tommy John Surgery, will be out most of year.
Luis Frias - Competing for spot in Triple-AAA Rotation.
Humberto Mejia - Competing for spot in Triple-AAA Rotation.
Zac Gallen - Slowed start to ST due to shoulder issue. Will miss start of season, but will be in MLB rotation.
Madison Bumgarner - Should start Opening Day for Dbacks.
Merrill Kelly- Locked up role in MLB rotation already.
Ian Kennedy - Preparing himself for the 8th-inning role in the Dbacks most likely.
Joe Mantiply - Competing for role in MLB Bullpen.
Jesus Liranzo - Competing for role in Triple-AAA Bullpen.
Kyle Nelson - Competing for role in Triple-AAA Bullpen.
Keynan Middleton - Competing for role in MLB Bullpen.
Matt Peacock - Competing for role in MLB bullpen/rotation
Kevin Ginkel - Competing for role in MLB Bullpen.
Luke Weaver - Competing for spot in rotation behind Kelly and MadBum.
Humberto Castellanos - Competing for spot in MLB Rotation.
Noe Ramirez - Preparing for role in MLB Bullpen
Ryan Weiss - Preparing for role in Reno Triple-AAA bullpen
Tyler Gilbert - Competing for spot in Starting Rotation in MLB.
Sean Poppen - Competing for role in MLB bullpen.
Yorvin Pantoja - Competing for spot in Triple-AAA Bullpen.
Caleb Barager - The lefty will be competing for a spot in the bullpen, but like Triple-AAA depth
J.B. Buskauskas- Recovering from injury, will miss multiple months.
Next. Diamondbacks sign former ace Ian Kennedy. dark
Mark Melancon - Preparing for closer role.
Oliver Perez - Signed on to be a veteran bullpen arm and un-retired.
Zach Davies - Signed recently to provide more rotation depth.
Zac Gallen will be ready when? / Chris Coduto/GettyImages
3 Pressing questions about the Pitching Staff this Spring Training
1. What do the Diamondbacks do about the rotation? How do they cover for Zac Gallen's absence ?
Reportedly, Zac Gallen has been dealing with a minor shoulder issue. This has caused his Spring Training to be delayed. As such, he most likely won't be ready to pitch in the MLB come to Opening Day. This means he will start the season on the IL and that the Dbacks will have to fill not 2, but 3 spots in their rotation. If Zach Davies is ready to go on Opening Day, then he claims one of those spots. The other two will most likely go to 2 of the following names: Tyler Gilbert, Luke Weaver, Taylor Widener, and Matt Peacock.
Next. What to know before going to Salt River Fields. dark
2. Who makes the bullpen? Besides Kennedy, Melancon, Keone Kela, and Caleb Smith, there are plenty of spots to fill.
The Diamondbacks have so many pitchers competing for spots in the bullpen. Additionally, one has to imagine some of the guys competing for starting roles would get shifted to the bullpen if they fail to make the rotation. As such, this will be an intense battle to watch throughout the next couple of weeks. Here are some names to watch out for: J.B. Wendelken, Noe Ramirez, Joe Mantiply, Tyler Gilbert, Matt Peacock, Ryan Weiss, Kevin Ginkel, and Kyle Nelson.
Next. Meet the Minor League coaches that are shaping the team's future!. dark
3. Can Pitching Coach legend Brent Strom work his magic?
There's a lot of hoopla over whether or not Brent Strom can change the Diamondbacks' pitching woes. After all, he's widely regarded as one of the best pitching coaches of all time. He transformed the Astros from middling throwers to one of the best pitching staff every year. He has a tough challenge this year in remaking one of the worst bullpens/rotations in the MLB. Luckily, the Dbacks did add some new pitchers to help with this task.
The Diamondbacks are retooling ahead of 2023/4 when most of their top prospects will hit the majors. The fact that the Dbacks are overloaded with tons of young talent is exciting. There will be growing pains, but with a solid coaching staff and GM in hand, we can look forward to the future.
Stay on the lookout for upcoming articles on many other topics and the Diamondbacks Spring Training Roster with hitters!
