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Diamondbacks News
D-backs' Zack Greinke Gives Entire Team a Lift
No, he doesn't own a bus and didn't drive everyone to the game yesterday, although that's kind of what the headline makes it sound like. Rather, Chip Hale believes that Greinke's arrival has not only made the pitchers better, but the hitters as well.
Jake Lamb Hopes New Swing Creates Margin for Error
Detailing some changes in Lamb's swing, which were partially inspired by Pollock's success last year.
D-backs' Robbie Ray Winning Rotation Battle
He has yet to be named fifth starter, but with the struggles of Archie Bradley and Zack Godley in the last trips to the mound, coupled with Ray performing well (albeit in a minor league game) this battle is becoming mere formality. Barring injury, it appears almost certain the opening day rotation will be Greinke-Miller-Corbin-De La Rosa-Ray.
Patrick Corbin to Throw More Changeups
Speaking of Corbin, he's working on his changeup. Good to see an already good pitcher working to get better.
Some updates on the battles for bullpen spots, which probably isn't going to be sorted out until the very end of Spring Training.
Injury News?
The Diamondbacks are one of three teams (Twins and White Sox being the others) that have no one showing up on MLB's injury report. But that doesn't mean they don't have injured players, and news about them is hard to come by. We did see Yasmany Tomas make a triumphant return to the field on Friday, but I've yet to see an update on Matt Reynolds, or more importantly, an update on Chris Herrmann or a recent update on A.J. Pollock. Herrmann hasn't played since last Sunday, and Pollock hasn't played in even longer. According to ESPN there is no date for a return for Pollock, and Herrmann doesn't appear on their report, which hasn't been updated. Tomas also didn't appear in either game yesterday, so they are apparently still taking things slowly on that front.
What this means, with only fifteen days left before opening day, is that it is becoming increasingly likely that Tuffy Gosewisch will be the backup catcher. This might even mean that he'll be the opening day catcher, as it is likely that Greinke will get his pick for that game.
This also helps the chances of Rickie Weeks, Jr., as it seems likely that it will be either Weeks or Herrmann for the final roster spot. I'm still pretty sure we see Herrmann on the team at some point, but since what was supposed to be three days off starting last Sunday has turned into a full week off, he might start the year on the DL.
If anyone has any good updates on any of these situations, please feel free to add in the comments.
Various News
Arizona Diamondbacks Owner Shows Off His Big-League Collection
Portions of Kendrick's card collection will be on display at the Phoenix Art Museum until April 24th.
Panama Defeats France to Make Qualifier Final
and
Nicaragua Beats Czech Republic to Make Final
Two 2017 World Baseball Classic spots will be determined today, with Panama taking on Columbia at 4 pm Arizona time and Nicaragua facing Mexico at 7. Both games should be being streamed live on MLB.com and worldbaseballclassic.com. The earlier game promises to be the more competitive of the two.
Today's Game
The Diamondbacks face the Reds today at 1 pm Arizona time. Shelby Miller takes the mound for the D-backs, and the game will be radio only.