Diamondbacks Embark on New 162-Game Journey

For the first time in what may feel like forever, the Arizona Diamondbacks will play a regular-season baseball game on Thursday night — the first of 162 in their win-loss column. Spring training has, finally, concluded.

There were roster battles, injury intrigue and some quiet moves that ultimately shaped the Diamondbacks’ roster into what it is now. But that all lies behind. The only factor that matters now is the final score.

Arizona will kick off its regular season in the most brutal of environments: a packed crowd at Dodger Stadium, facing the star-studded Los Angeles lineup for a 5:30 p.m. first pitch — in front of a national NBC broadcast audience.

“Dodgers are good,” manager Torey Lovullo said. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m loving the fact that we’re going to L.A. to open up the season. It’s going to be a really good test for us.”

With all the questions, battles and spring storylines wrapped up, let’s take a look at what the Diamondbacks have to offer this season.

Diamondbacks’ Rotation Order Set

The Diamondbacks’ rotation order has been set:

1. RHP Zac Gallen
2. RHP Ryne Nelson
3. LHP Eduardo Rodriguez
4. RHP Michael Soroka
5. RHP Brandon Pfaadt

Zac Gallen, Ryne Nelson and Eduardo Rodriguez will face the Dodger Stadium challenge, while Michael Soroka will get the nod for Arizona’s home opener at Chase Field.

Right-hander Merrill Kelly was not able to avoid going on the injured list after he was shut down with intercostal nerve irritation in his back earlier in camp. Kelly has struggled in his outings since resuming his ramp-up, but said he feels physically fine.

“Body feels good, that’s what really matters,” said Kelly (via Jack Sommers). “Timing and, mechanically-wise, I’m still building up, so there’s definitely still some work to do there. But what’s most important, obviously, is that my arm feels good, my back feels good, so I’m moving in the right direction.”

He’ll open the season on the IL, and will likely return at some point during the Diamondbacks’ east coast road trip in early April — potentially during the Mets or Phillies series between April 7-12. Kelly will make two rehab starts before returning, including one for Triple-A Reno.

Once Kelly does return, that will create a roster crunch. One of the above arms will have to be pushed into a bullpen role. The easy answer is Soroka, who has a history of success in relief, but a dominant start in the rotation for Soroka could shift that outcome onto another arm.

No Left-handers in Diamondbacks’ Bullpen

Arizona’s bullpen will, once again, be the source of much stress (and, perhaps, heartbreak) in 2026. While there is reason to believe in some positive regression for this group, it’s difficult to imagine them shaping into a dominant force.

And, with the recent option of left-hander Brandyn Garcia, the Diamondbacks will go up against a lefty-heavy Dodger lineup without a southpaw in their bullpen. Garcia held an ERA of 11.37, and simply could not find the zone.

“Our main pillar… is filling up the strike zone. I felt like that was a little inconsistent,” manager Torey Lovullo said of Garcia.

“I know you guys are sitting here doing your own math. You don’t have a lefty in the bullpen. I’m very well aware of that. … We feel very comfortable with some reverse-split guys that can go out there and attack left-handed hitters.”

These are the eight arms Arizona will have available:

• RHP Kevin Ginkel
• RHP Ryan Thompson
• RHP Paul Sewald
• RHP Jonathan Loáisiga
• RHP Taylor Clarke
• RHP Andrew Hoffmann
• RHP Juan Morillo
• RHP Joe Ross (long reliever)

Arizona will rely heavily on the Thompson-Ginkel-Sewald trio once again, with Sewald all but confirmed to retake the closer’s role. If it makes fans feel any better, Sewald posted a 2.57 ERA in the Cactus League, and is hitting 91-93 MPH on his fastball more consistently.

Ginkel and Thompson have both struggled, with ERAs each well north of 5.00. Ginkel did, however, dial his fastball back up to 96 MPH in a clean inning during Monday night’s exhibition.

Loáisiga and Clarke — the D-backs’ two notable offseason additions — have looked sharp, both in terms of velocity and results. Loásigia has nine strikeouts in eight Cactus League innings, while Clarke gave up just one run in eight games.

Diamondbacks Finalize Position Players

Arizona’s lineup is going to look a little different this season, but the stars atop it remain intact. The Diamondbacks have settled on their position-player group following camp battles in both the outfield and infield.

Arizona’s position-player contingent:

Infielders

• 1B Carlos Santana
• 1B/DH Pavin Smith
• 2B Ketel Marte
• 3B Nolan Arenado
• SS Geraldo Perdomo
• UTL Ildemaro Vargas
• UTL Tim Tawa

Catchers

• C Gabriel Moreno
• C James McCann

Outfielders

• OF Corbin Carroll
• OF Alek Thomas
• OF Jordan Lawlar
• OF Jorge Barrosa

With their stars already manning the infield, the main question was how the Diamondbacks would fill out the utility role. Ildemaro Vargas, who hit .370/.383/.587 with two homers this spring, got the edge over Jacob Amaya.

“I love his versatility,” Lovullo said of Vargas. “He can play second, third, short. … We put him at first base in a pennant race. It’s crazy. And he held his own.”

Tawa, though exempted from backup shortstop duties barring an emergency situation, can also play numerous roles — even providing stable outfield defense if needed. The second-year utilityman hit .311/.418/.511 with a pair of homers in the Cactus League.

The outfield, meanwhile, has been one of Arizona’s major spring narratives. Jordan Lawlar has handled his transition well, playing solid center field defense and showing an ability to hit off-speed pitches from right-handers. Lawlar slashed .326/.446/.609 with four homers this spring.

Alek Thomas’ bat has sprung to life, with a .345/.424/.724 line sandwiched around a successful tenure with Team Mexico in the WBC.

The two outfielders have alternated playing in left and center field, and that will likely continue. Lovullo said it may depend on the handedness of the opposing pitcher, but that both are capable in either outfield slot.

And don’t count out Jorge Barrosa, either. Barrosa posted a 1.118 Cactus League OPS, firmly securing the fourth outfield position — at least until Gurriel returns.

Real baseball has arrived; it’s time to embrace the chaos once again.