Predicted Diamondbacks Opening Day Lineup
While we are making Diamondbacks' roster predictions, I decided to predict the team's Opening Day lineup. Why? Well, because why not. I think the lineup is fairly set aside from maybe the order changing. Anyhow, let's start.
1. CF Daulton Varsho
Varsho will set the tone atop the lineup. He provides competitive at-bats and will see tons of pitches. Plus, he has great speed so will be able to steal bases and get into scoring position ahead of Marte and other big hitters. We have a new CF!
2. 2B Ketel Marte
Ketel has returned to his true home second. He's beginning his push to recapture the 2nd base All-Star crown while providing the Dbacks with a franchise player that can lead the team in hits, RBIs, power, and more. He's hitting 2nd to give him the most at-bats.
3. LF David Peralta
Peralta spent all off-season redoing his swing. It looks like it's working with 7 runs. 9 hits, 3 doubles, 4 HRs, 8 RBIs, 3 walks, and 7 K's this Spring. He's going to be the veteran leader of the team in what could be his last year with the team.
4. 1B Christian Walker
Walker's set to get the lion's share of games at first ahead of Pavin and Beer. He's looking to re-establish his bat after an injury-filled year last year. He's doing excellent this spring with 10 hits, 3 doubles, 2 HRs, and 5 RBIs.
5. RF Pavin Smith
Since Walker has taken first, Pavin's returning to RF after an entire off-season training for it. He's going to be platooning with Jordan Luplow and Cooper Hummel eventually, but Pavin's out to stake his claim for an everyday player role.
6. C Carson Kelly
Kelly started off red-hot last year before injuries cooled off his season. Now healthy, he's seeking to have a full breakout year that has him pushing for an All-Star selection? He was ranked #10 on best catchers list by MLB Network. He's swinging a hot bat with 2 doubles, 3 RBIs, and 8 hits so far this spring.
7. DH Seth Beer
If you're at Chase Field, I hope you take a swig of Beer every time Beer steps up to the plate. The greatest name in baseball is set to completely demolish baseballs all season as the team's primary DH. He will back up Walker at first, but the rookie is finally going to get extended playing time. A terrific spring with 6 runs, 11 hits, 4 doubles, 1 HR, and 6 RBIs is providing lots of excitement.
8. 3B Drew Ellis
He's replacing Josh Rojas who's out a month or more with a grade 2 Oblique strain. Due to that, Ellis will look to improve upon his woeful rookie performance last year. He will bring some right-handed balance to a lefty-leaning lineup. Let's hope he can keep third base warm for Rojas.
9. SS Geraldo Perdomo
Perdomo is starting his 2nd Opening Day in a row at SS for the Diamondbacks due to Nick Ahmed's shoulder injury. Can he manage to stay up in the MLB all-season is the question. There's tremendous hope that's the case after the lefty hitter's 4 runs, 9 hits, 2 doubles, HR, and 6 RBIs this spring so far. He could lock down the SS spot for years to come with a solid performance this year.