While there has been no formal announcement with regard to the Diamondbacks’ Opening Day roster, by a process of elimination, it currently appears to be set. There are only 13 position players left, so that means a bench of James McCann, Tim Tawa, Jorge Barrosa and Ildemaro Vargas. On the bullpen side, at this point – and unless there’s a late waiver claim – the team will start the year without a left-hander, instead going with this all right-handed selection:
To add Vargas, Ross and Loaisiga, there will have to be three 40-man moves made. Maybe Tyler Locklear, Cristian Mena and Blake Walston to the 60-day IL? We’ll see. Anyway, here’s tonight’s line-up:
This feels like it might be the exact line-up (with the obvious exception of Kelly) the team rolls with on Opening Day come Thursday. Meanwhile, the Guardians send up former D-backs Slade Cecconi, whom we dealt to Cleveland in exchange for Josh Naylor. I’m not sure Cecconi will turn into Max Scherzer, but he had already been more valuable for the Indians, than he was as a Diamondback. Tonight, I’m also pleased to see Corbin Carroll back in RF. Jordan Lawlar gets the start in left, though according to Torey Lovullo, whether that remains a consistent set-up, is to be determined.
Whole slew of broadcast choices for you tonight. Those of a visual nature can watch the game on DBACKS.TV, alongside Steve Berthiaume, Bob Brenly & Jody Jackson. On the radio side, Arizona Sports 98.7 FM has you covered, with Chris Garagiola & Tom Candiotti. It’s also being broadcast on La Campesina 101.9 FM in Spanish, by Oscar Soria & Rodrigo Lopez.
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