Cronkite News offers an audio version of this story using an automated voice created by AI. Errors in pronunciation, pacing and intonation may occur. If you notice an error please contact cronkitenews@asu.edu.
PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks enter Opening Day with question marks at key positions, and no clear solutions in sight.
With no closer named, a litany of injuries carrying over from last season, and a starting lineup looking for another name to step up, the Diamondbacks have their hands full to start the season.
Torey Lovullo, the longest-tenured manager in franchise history, will have to navigate a variety of concerns while starting on the road Thursday against the back-to-back World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers before the Diamondbacks’ home opener against the Detroit Tigers on Monday. This is Lovullo’s 10th season at the helm.
Who steps up to in lineup?
The top of the lineup for the Diamondbacks should remain the same as it was last season, with some combination of infielders Geraldo Perdomo and Ketel Marte, and outfielder Corbin Carroll.
Offseason additions Carlos Santana and Nolan Arenado will likely factor into the middle of the lineup, with catcher Gabriel Moreno likely rounding out the top six.
Arenado was acquired in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals this offseason in exchange for minor league pitcher Jack Martinez.
“He plays the game with an unbelievable intensity and unbelievable work ethic,” Lovullo said. “I know what he’s going to come in here and give us. I’m super excited he’s here.”
One noticeable trend in the newer faces on the Diamondbacks is the importance of defense, especially with the arrival of Arenado, a six-time Platinum Glove winner at third base.
“We prioritize defense,” Lovullo said. “You’re talking about a guy who plays at a very high level on both sides. That’s exactly what we wanted to plug into the system.”
Arenado, who played for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic, says he’s ready for his first season back in the NL West.
“I feel I’m game ready now for the season,” Arenado said. “As far as physically and all that stuff, I’m ready to go.”
The bottom of the lineup will likely feature some combination of Alek Thomas, Jordan Lawlar, Pavin Smith and Tim Tawa.
Lawlar was a star during spring training. He finished with four home runs, seven RBIs and an OPS of 1.052.
He’ll look to shake off a rough 2025 season that saw him bat .182 with just 12 hits in 66 at-bats.
“I had my head down, and I put in the work for it,” Lawlar said. “Just gotta keep my head down and go out there and play the game.”
Lawlar will likely start the season in the outfield as Lourdes Gurriel Jr. recovers from a torn ACL he suffered in September.
Thomas, who has struggled with consistency in the past few seasons due to injuries, would be a huge boon to the Diamondbacks outfield if he’s able to put it all together in 2026.
Gallen lands the Opening Day nod
The Arizona Diamondbacks grounds crew plays a key role in making sure the field will be ready when the team has its home opener against the Detroit Tigers Monday. (Photo by Janes Reyes/Cronkite News)
Lovullo announced on Sunday that his starting pitching rotation is set: Zac Gallen, Ryne Nelson, Eduardo Rodriguez, Mike Soroka and Brandon Pfaadt.
Merrill Kelly was officially placed on the 15-day injured list on March 25, 2026, due to left intercostal nerve irritation. He is expected to miss only two or three starts, with a planned rehab schedule beginning April 3.
Gallen, who was a free agent after last season but re-signed with the Diamondbacks, will be making his fourth Opening Day start in his Arizona career.
“Torey let me know. It’s a cool honor, like I’ve said in years past,” Gallen said. “I’m glad to get that honor again. It’s nice.”
Gallen made sure to mention Kelly, who was originally pencilled in as the Opening Day starter.
“Understadably, Merrill got named the Opening Day starter, which he should’ve, he fully deserved it,” Gallen said.
Kelly signed a two-year, $40 million contract in the offseason after being traded to the Rangers at the deadline last season.
Nelson and Pfaadt are coming off promising spring training performances.
Nelson pitched 17.0 Innings, the most of any Diamondback this spring. He finished with 23 strikeouts, a 3.18 ERA and an opposing batting average of just .218.
“I’m pretty happy with how everything is coming out,” Nelson said.
Pfaadt also shone, finishing with a 0.90 ERA in 10 innings pitched. Opposing batters only garnered three hits.
Rodriguez returns to the Diamondbacks after winning the World Baseball Classic with Venezuela, pitching 4.1 innings against the United States in the title game, allowing zero runs and two hits.
“I couldn’t be more proud of him,” Lovullo said. “Him going out there for the performance against a potentially dominant U.S. team.”
Rodriguez enters his third season with the Diamondbacks after signing a four-year, $80 million dollar contract in 2023.
Closer role still in flux
The Diamondbacks set an MLB record last season with 17 different pitchers recording a save – a record they’d prefer not to break again this season.
However, with A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez still recovering from Tommy John elbow surgeries, the closer position is up for grabs.
Lovullo said on March 18 that he will figure out who will handle the closing duties when the time comes.
“You’ll probably figure it out as I do it,” Lovullo said.
The first name the Diamondbacks manager mentioned was familiar: Paul Sewald.
“I love where Paul Sewald is at,” Lovullo said. “He’s been throwing the heck out of the ball.”
Sewald pitched for the Diamondbacks in 62 games in 2023 and 2024. He spent time in the AL Central in 2025, playing for both the Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers. He appeared in 22 games with a 4.58 ERA in 19.2 innings pitched.
This spring, Sewald appeared in seven games, pitching 7.0 innings with a 2.57 ERA and five strikeouts.
Newly-acquired Jonathan Loáisiga could also see some late-game work. However, he has only pitched 50 games over the past three seasons – the same number he pitched in 2022.
Lovullo stressed that the closer role is still up for grabs, citing the other relievers who have performed well during spring training.
“We have other guys that have been doing the same thing,” Lovullo said. “So, out of fairness to the group, I probably won’t say anything until Opening Day.”
Some key names in the bullpen include Kevin Ginkel and Ryan Thompson, who were important to the Diamondbacks’ World Series run in 2023.
Others include Andrew Hoffman, whom the Diamondbacks acquired from the Kansas City Royals last season, and Taylor Clarke, whom the Diamondbacks originally drafted in 2015.
Notably, the Diamondbacks will enter the season without a single left-handed reliever in their bullpen.
Reinforcements coming in the summer?
The Diamondbacks are still feeling the ramifications of the Tommy John surgeries undergone by ace Corbin Burnes and backend bullpen arms Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk.
Burnes is targeting a return after the All-Star Break in July, which is similar to the timelines for Puk and Martinez. Other notable injuries include Gurriel Jr., platoon bat Adrian Del Castillo, and first baseman Tyler Locklear.
Gurriel Jr. is progressing quickly, already running the bases and taking fly balls in the outfield.
But the veteran outfielder will likely wait a bit longer, as Lovullo and the training staff want to be cautious.
”He said Opening Day to me, that’s how good he’s feeling,” Lovullo said back in February. “It’s not gonna be Opening Day, I can assure you that.”
Del Castillo won’t be out as long, but will miss some time with a calf injury, according to Lovullo.
“He’s doing things where he can,” Lovullo said. “He’s getting on his knees and throwing and doing what he can, but not really stressing that left calf at all.”
Locklear, whom the Diamondbacks acquired from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for star third baseman Eugenio Suárez last season, is also recovering from left elbow surgery.
Locklear, Gurriel Jr. and Del Castillo will start the season on the 10-day injured list.
With those players on track to be healthy soon, there is also excitement for some of the upcoming prospects who are expected to reach the majors sometime in 2026.
Top prospect Ryan Waldschmidt flashed during spring training, batting .302 with six RBIs and a home run. He ranks as the No. 1 prospect in the Diamondbacks’ farm system, according to the MLB Pipeline.
Jose Fernandez was another exciting young prospect who performed well for the Diamondbacks in spring training. The shortstop finished with three home runs, seven RBIs, and a 1.148 OPS during spring training.
Fernandez credits his strong spring to the veteran pillars in the clubhouse, allowing him to get comfortable and learn on the fly.
“I get along with everybody,” Fernandez said. “But primarily people like Vargas, Ketel, Perdomo, Arenado, even Ginkel who’s here next to my locker. They’ve been the guys who’ve helped me a lot.”
Other batting prospects to watch include Tommy Troy, LuJames Groover and A.J. Vukovich.
Pitching prospects include Mitch Bratt, Kohl Drake and Brandyn Garcia, all left-handers who could see early action if the all-right-hander bullpen doesn’t work out to start the season.
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Arizona Diamondbacks feature slew of storylines heading into Opening Day
Keythin Thomas, Cronkite News
March 26, 2026
Cronkite News offers an audio version of this story using an automated voice created by AI. Errors in pronunciation, pacing and intonation may occur. If you notice an error please contact cronkitenews@asu.edu.PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks enter Opening Day with question marks at key positions, and no clear solutions in sight.
With no closer named, a litany of injuries carrying over from last season, and a starting lineup looking for another name to step up, the Diamondbacks have their hands full to start the season.
Torey Lovullo, the longest-tenured manager in franchise history, will have to navigate a variety of concerns while starting on the road Thursday against the back-to-back World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers before the Diamondbacks’ home opener against the Detroit Tigers on Monday. This is Lovullo’s 10th season at the helm.
Who steps up to in lineup?
The top of the lineup for the Diamondbacks should remain the same as it was last season, with some combination of infielders Geraldo Perdomo and Ketel Marte, and outfielder Corbin Carroll.
Offseason additions Carlos Santana and Nolan Arenado will likely factor into the middle of the lineup, with catcher Gabriel Moreno likely rounding out the top six.
Arenado was acquired in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals this offseason in exchange for minor league pitcher Jack Martinez.
“He plays the game with an unbelievable intensity and unbelievable work ethic,” Lovullo said. “I know what he’s going to come in here and give us. I’m super excited he’s here.”
One noticeable trend in the newer faces on the Diamondbacks is the importance of defense, especially with the arrival of Arenado, a six-time Platinum Glove winner at third base.
“We prioritize defense,” Lovullo said. “You’re talking about a guy who plays at a very high level on both sides. That’s exactly what we wanted to plug into the system.”
Arenado, who played for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic, says he’s ready for his first season back in the NL West.
“I feel I’m game ready now for the season,” Arenado said. “As far as physically and all that stuff, I’m ready to go.”
The bottom of the lineup will likely feature some combination of Alek Thomas, Jordan Lawlar, Pavin Smith and Tim Tawa.
Lawlar was a star during spring training. He finished with four home runs, seven RBIs and an OPS of 1.052.
He’ll look to shake off a rough 2025 season that saw him bat .182 with just 12 hits in 66 at-bats.
“I had my head down, and I put in the work for it,” Lawlar said. “Just gotta keep my head down and go out there and play the game.”
Lawlar will likely start the season in the outfield as Lourdes Gurriel Jr. recovers from a torn ACL he suffered in September.
Thomas, who has struggled with consistency in the past few seasons due to injuries, would be a huge boon to the Diamondbacks outfield if he’s able to put it all together in 2026.
Gallen lands the Opening Day nod
Lovullo announced on Sunday that his starting pitching rotation is set: Zac Gallen, Ryne Nelson, Eduardo Rodriguez, Mike Soroka and Brandon Pfaadt.
Merrill Kelly was officially placed on the 15-day injured list on March 25, 2026, due to left intercostal nerve irritation. He is expected to miss only two or three starts, with a planned rehab schedule beginning April 3.
Gallen, who was a free agent after last season but re-signed with the Diamondbacks, will be making his fourth Opening Day start in his Arizona career.
“Torey let me know. It’s a cool honor, like I’ve said in years past,” Gallen said. “I’m glad to get that honor again. It’s nice.”
Gallen made sure to mention Kelly, who was originally pencilled in as the Opening Day starter.
“Understadably, Merrill got named the Opening Day starter, which he should’ve, he fully deserved it,” Gallen said.
Kelly signed a two-year, $40 million contract in the offseason after being traded to the Rangers at the deadline last season.
Nelson and Pfaadt are coming off promising spring training performances.
Nelson pitched 17.0 Innings, the most of any Diamondback this spring. He finished with 23 strikeouts, a 3.18 ERA and an opposing batting average of just .218.
“I’m pretty happy with how everything is coming out,” Nelson said.
Pfaadt also shone, finishing with a 0.90 ERA in 10 innings pitched. Opposing batters only garnered three hits.
Rodriguez returns to the Diamondbacks after winning the World Baseball Classic with Venezuela, pitching 4.1 innings against the United States in the title game, allowing zero runs and two hits.
“I couldn’t be more proud of him,” Lovullo said. “Him going out there for the performance against a potentially dominant U.S. team.”
Rodriguez enters his third season with the Diamondbacks after signing a four-year, $80 million dollar contract in 2023.
Closer role still in flux
The Diamondbacks set an MLB record last season with 17 different pitchers recording a save – a record they’d prefer not to break again this season.
However, with A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez still recovering from Tommy John elbow surgeries, the closer position is up for grabs.
Lovullo said on March 18 that he will figure out who will handle the closing duties when the time comes.
“You’ll probably figure it out as I do it,” Lovullo said.
The first name the Diamondbacks manager mentioned was familiar: Paul Sewald.
“I love where Paul Sewald is at,” Lovullo said. “He’s been throwing the heck out of the ball.”
Sewald pitched for the Diamondbacks in 62 games in 2023 and 2024. He spent time in the AL Central in 2025, playing for both the Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers. He appeared in 22 games with a 4.58 ERA in 19.2 innings pitched.
This spring, Sewald appeared in seven games, pitching 7.0 innings with a 2.57 ERA and five strikeouts.
Newly-acquired Jonathan Loáisiga could also see some late-game work. However, he has only pitched 50 games over the past three seasons – the same number he pitched in 2022.
Lovullo stressed that the closer role is still up for grabs, citing the other relievers who have performed well during spring training.
“We have other guys that have been doing the same thing,” Lovullo said. “So, out of fairness to the group, I probably won’t say anything until Opening Day.”
Some key names in the bullpen include Kevin Ginkel and Ryan Thompson, who were important to the Diamondbacks’ World Series run in 2023.
Others include Andrew Hoffman, whom the Diamondbacks acquired from the Kansas City Royals last season, and Taylor Clarke, whom the Diamondbacks originally drafted in 2015.
Notably, the Diamondbacks will enter the season without a single left-handed reliever in their bullpen.
Reinforcements coming in the summer?
The Diamondbacks are still feeling the ramifications of the Tommy John surgeries undergone by ace Corbin Burnes and backend bullpen arms Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk.
Burnes is targeting a return after the All-Star Break in July, which is similar to the timelines for Puk and Martinez. Other notable injuries include Gurriel Jr., platoon bat Adrian Del Castillo, and first baseman Tyler Locklear.
Gurriel Jr. is progressing quickly, already running the bases and taking fly balls in the outfield.
But the veteran outfielder will likely wait a bit longer, as Lovullo and the training staff want to be cautious.
”He said Opening Day to me, that’s how good he’s feeling,” Lovullo said back in February. “It’s not gonna be Opening Day, I can assure you that.”
Del Castillo won’t be out as long, but will miss some time with a calf injury, according to Lovullo.
“He’s doing things where he can,” Lovullo said. “He’s getting on his knees and throwing and doing what he can, but not really stressing that left calf at all.”
Locklear, whom the Diamondbacks acquired from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for star third baseman Eugenio Suárez last season, is also recovering from left elbow surgery.
Locklear, Gurriel Jr. and Del Castillo will start the season on the 10-day injured list.
With those players on track to be healthy soon, there is also excitement for some of the upcoming prospects who are expected to reach the majors sometime in 2026.
Top prospect Ryan Waldschmidt flashed during spring training, batting .302 with six RBIs and a home run. He ranks as the No. 1 prospect in the Diamondbacks’ farm system, according to the MLB Pipeline.
Jose Fernandez was another exciting young prospect who performed well for the Diamondbacks in spring training. The shortstop finished with three home runs, seven RBIs, and a 1.148 OPS during spring training.
Fernandez credits his strong spring to the veteran pillars in the clubhouse, allowing him to get comfortable and learn on the fly.
“I get along with everybody,” Fernandez said. “But primarily people like Vargas, Ketel, Perdomo, Arenado, even Ginkel who’s here next to my locker. They’ve been the guys who’ve helped me a lot.”
Other batting prospects to watch include Tommy Troy, LuJames Groover and A.J. Vukovich.
Pitching prospects include Mitch Bratt, Kohl Drake and Brandyn Garcia, all left-handers who could see early action if the all-right-hander bullpen doesn’t work out to start the season.
This article first appeared on Cronkite News and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
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