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The D-backs have their winning streak halted at 6. Life goes on. The games don’t count. Patrick Corbin extended himself to 4 innings, which is right on track. Since he had Tommy John surgery, his elbow has held up nicely and he seems to show little issues with it. That’s good. Looking at the latest stats, it is clear that players on the roster bubble hit well like Fuentes and Tomas, while roster locks seem to be anemic. Funny how that works. I suppose easing oneself into the regular season is a luxury enjoyed by veterans with a track record.
Hermann Knows Flexibility Is Key to Roster Spot
That is true for him. The only problem this year is that Alex Avila is a catcher who bats lefty. Hermann may have benefited last year because the other two catchers were righties. He will be hoping his play in the outfield and perhaps first base will keep him on the roster.
Lovullo Hesitant to Name Greinke Opening Day Starter
I’m afraid this will be an annual tradition. Has Zack Greinke lost velocity? Zack’s personal self-doubt doesn’t ease concerns. Especially, when nine figures of dollars are still owed to him. It should be fine for this year. But I almost wonder if Greinke could still be an effective pitcher with a fastball in the high eighties, when you consider his command and pitching IQ. Perhaps, but maybe not a $34 million dollar a year pitcher.
RELATED: Torey Lovullo Delays Naming Zack Greinke Opening Day Starter
Diamondbacks LHP Andrew Chafin Could Be AZ Bullpen’s Sole Southpaw
Having Lefties in the bullpen makes sense. Chafin is there, but who else? Jorge De La Rosa actually pitches well as a LOOGY, but remains a roster question mark. McFarland does fine in long relief so long as he doesn’t spot start. But, at this point, it is quite possible that Chafin will be the only guy who can come in the 7th inning to get a tough lefty out to finish the inning.
Around MLB
Ichiro Suzuki Calls it ‘Very Special’ to Play for Mariners Again
Ichiro is 44 and still playing. It would be nice for an older D-backs player to come back and talk about how special it is to return. Perhaps someday.
Will Jake Arrieta Be Great or Just Good With the Phillies
Will the Phillies be good enough to challenge for a Wild Card? Arrieta doesn’t hurt, but they have a long way to go towards relevance.
Golden Age of Young Shortstops Is Now
Seems like every other year is the golden age of shortstops. I would have loved to take Manny Machado off the Orioles hands.