Spring Training Gameday Thread, #16: 3/16 vs. A’s

Diamondbacks line-up

1. David Peralta, RF
2. Ketel Marte, CF
3. Asdrubal Cabrera, 1B
4. Eduardo Escobar, 3B
5. Josh Rojas, SS
6. Stephen Vogt, C
7. Trayce Thompson, RF
8. Domingo Leyba, 2B
9. LHP Madison Bumgarner + RHP Taylor Clarke, RHP Anthony Swarzak

This is a slight change from the previously-announced lineup, which originally had Nick Ahmed starting at short. As I type, we’ve waiting word from Torey Lovullo on the reason for this. Also of note, this afternoon is the first time we will see pitchers hit in Cactus League play, and who better to do it than MadBum?

Roster movies

The Arizona Diamondbacks made 5 roster moves and have 46 players in camp.

Optioned to Triple-A Reno:

• RHP J.B. Bukauskas
• OF Stuart Fairchild
• INF Geraldo Perdomo
• RHP Corbin Martin

Reassigned to Minor League camp:

• INF Seth Beer

This set does include the first genuine surprise of spring, with Bukauskas having been light-out in his appearances so far. As in: four innings pitched, no hits or walks and nine strikeouts. Hard to see he could have done much more, and the speculation seems to be that this is largely about service time management, to get the team an extra year of control by delaying his call-up. Which kinda sucks, but that’s the system, and I can’t really blame the D-backs (or any team) for using it to their advantage.

Torey Lovullo notes

“Nick Ahmed was scheduled to play in the game and was feeling good with the knee, but is dealing with a “personal issue”. We feel very good about saying he will be fine in time” Torey went on to reiterate that the knee is fine and there are no issues with that and this is not related to baseball at all, but also said it would DAYS before Nick will be back. Torey did not say if this was Covid-19 testing related. The players can choose if they want to allow that information to be revealed to the public.

J.B. Bukauskas send out: “We want him to continue to grow with the finer points of his game. and the consistency aspect of it. Changing roles from starter to reliever, we just wanted to give him a little bit more time. How much time, unpredictable. But we’re going to see him in the big leagues if he continues on the same path. “

Torey went on to emphasize this was not an easy decision, which was made “collectively”. He also stated that JBB will continue to work as a reliever. JBB was under the impression that he had a chance to make the team. Asked what he could have done to make the team, Torey responded:

“I think you guys are focused on one thing, 3 or 4 scoreless innings and basically overmatching every hitter that he faced. We’re looking at different things. Controlling the running game, consistency of pitches that are landing in certain spots. Sign sequences, understanding the importance of all the little things that eliminate the black noise. He’s on the right path, he’s very close. We just felt like he needs a little bit more fine tuning”

[Jack: In lieu of much of the conversations I’ve seen on Twitter and here at the Pit regarding service time considerations/manipulation, the above statement rings extremely hollow]

Opening day Starter will not be announced until last week of Spring Training. Bumgarner is lined up though.

Minor league send-outs: There will be an alt site at Salt River again this year. The guys being sent down now will continue to get reps in B games and occasional MLB games as needed for the remainder of spring. Then continue to play against each other for a few weeks while waiting for further clarity on the minor league season startup.

Torey Lovullo audio [or link]

Game coverage