The rundown...
Arizona will kick off spring training in 2023 with a split squad day. Game 1 will be at 1:05 against the Oakland A’s. The game will take place at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, AZ. Tickets are now on sale for as low as $12. If you can’t watch the game in person, it will be streamed on the NBC Sports App.
Game 2 will begin at 1:10 against the Colorado Rockies. The game will take place at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, AZ. Tickets are now on sale for as low as $21. If you can’t watch the game in person, you can listen to it on Arizona’s Sports 98.7 FM.
What to watch for...
There will be many position battles to watch during the duration of spring training. But I advise you to watch 6 non-roster invitees closely. 3 pitchers and 3 position players…
Up first for the pitchers, free-agent signing Jandel Gustave. In Gustave’s career, he has pitched for the Houston Astors, San Fransico Giants, and Milwaukee Brewers. In 91 major league innings (all out of the bullpen), Gustave has a 4-2 record with a 3.56 ERA. Don’t be surprised if he sneaks his way onto the opening-day roster. Next up is highly anticipated prospect Brandon Pfaadt. In 10 AAA starts a year ago, Pfaadt went 5-1 with a 2.63 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP. He will battle for the 5th spot in the rotation this spring. Last but not least, prospect Mitchell Stumpo. In 43.1 AAA innings last season Stumpo posted a 3.53 ERA and a .178 BAA.
The 3 position players I want you to keep an eye on are all prospects, none of them have even a lick of MLB experience. First up is Ohio State alumni Dominic Canzone. In 106 minor league games a season ago, Canzone hit 22 home runs, 89 RBIs, and scored 81 times. He also slashed .299/.367/.541; bringing his OPS to .908. Unfortunately, the D-Backs outfield is already crowded with Corbin Carroll, Jake McCarthy, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., and Alek Thomas. But if Canzone has a strong spring training, there is a chance he could make the opening-day roster over some familiar names. Next up is a top 3 prospect for the D-backs, SS Jordan Lawlar. In 2022, Lawlar played 100 games in the minors; he hit 16 HRs, 62 RBIs, and finished the season with an OPS of .910. In a previous article, I compared him to Kansas City’s Bobby Witt Jr. Both play the game in a similar style. Last but once again not least, 19-year-old infielder Deyvison De Los Santos. In 126 minor league games a season ago, De Los Santos hit 22 homers, 106 RBIs, and scored 72 times. He also slashed .306/.348/.499; bringing his OPS to .847. Not bad for a teenager…
Fans will have a lot to watch for this spring training, and it all begins Saturday…