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Diamondbacks News
Taylor Widener made a strong case in support of his inclusion in the rotation on Tuesday, throwing 5.2 innings of two-run ball. Both runs allowed came off solo home runs. Widener also struck out seven. J.B. Bukauskas needed only 11 pitches (9 strikes) to record the save, allowing the rare hit and striking out one.
Widener Turns in Strong Outing
Arizona fans would likely be much more confident as the season finally starts if more of the pitchers being looked to in order to provide starts had been able to turn in a performance or two like this one.
Opening Day FAQ: Diamondbacks at Padres
New faces, key injuries, and new expectations abound as Opening Day can finally be seen creeping up on the horizon.
Diamondbacks Allowing an Extra 8,000 Fans at Home Opener
The Arizona Diamondbacks have elected to allow an additional 8,000 fans into Chase Field for the team’s home opener, bringing the total allowed to 20,000.
2021 Diamondbacks Preview Roundtable
Writers, hosts, and editors from Arizona Sports discuss the upcoming season for the Diamondbacks and touch on their thoughts on Ketel Marte, Luke Weaver, and their expectations for the team.
Is Josh Rojas the Latest Desert Mirage?
Josh Rojas has been on fire all spring. Is this a sign of things to come, or is this yet another flash-in-the-pan performance by an up-and-coming Arizona prospect? Given the lack of MLB-ready depth in Arizona’s system, does it really matter?
Other Baseball News
Here are the final preseason power rankings as decided by the writers at MLB. Not surprisingly, the Diamondbacks rank #26.
Did MLB’s Ball Changes Get It Right?
Pitchers around baseball have noticed changes in the de-juiced ball from previous seasons. The pitchers are able to get better grips on the seams, creating even higher spin rates. The balls are not carrying as far. In isolation, those might be good changes for MLB’s desire for more balls in play. Unfortunately, it seems that balls are also turning in higher exit velocities than ever, resulting in yet a continued increase in home run rates.
Just a side thought from this editor: maybe MLB could stop tampering so much with the ball and look for more reliable ways to better the pace of play and get balls in play.
After being cut by the Atlanta Braves in favour of Pablo Sandoval, the former Arizona corner infielder has once again landed on his feet. Jake Lamb is headed to the South Side to dress for the White Sox on a Major League contract.
Lindor, Mets at Impasse Over Extension
The Mets reportedly offered the star shortstop a pact worth $325 million over 10 years. Lindor’s camp has apparently countered with an ask of $385 million over 12 years. Both sides seem to be holding firm. With the deadline for inking an extension only hours away, it seems Lindor is likely to test the free agent waters once the season is over, a bold move given the size of the contract he is leaving on the table and the massive uncertainties facing future markets with a new CBA to be hammered out.
Related: Pete Alonso Hopes Mets Pay Lindor $400 Million
“I hope they pay him $400 million,” Mets first baseman Pete Alonso told reporters Tuesday. “He’s worth every penny.”