Pfaadt, Henry Take on Chicago White Sox at Camelback
The Diamondbacks (5-5) travel to Glendale to play the Chicago White Sox (3-8) at Camelback Ranch. Today's game will not be broadcast on TV or radio.
Right-hander Brandon Pfaadt will take the mound first for the D-backs. In his first start, he went just one inning and threw 22 pitches. The plan is to stretch Pfaadt out to 2 innings/40 pitches. Following Pfaadt is Tommy Henry, one of the leading candidates for the fifth starter camp battle. Lovullo said that Henry could throw up to three innings today.
Henry currently has a leg up on the competition thanks to both being healthy and putting together five impressive innings to start his spring. In those five innings, he's struck out five and needed only 51 pitches. He's shown improved fastball command and the changeup is starting to become more effective each time out. Henry has continued to stay one step ahead of Ryne Nelson, who has been outright dominant in his two starts.
After Pfaadt and Henry, some notable pitchers scheduled for today could include RHP Justin Martinez, RHP Ryan Thompson, LHP Brandon Hughes, RHP Humberto Castellanos, and RHP Francisco Morales. Thompson should be in today's game, likely one inning to get more work in to prepare for Opening Day. Justin Martinez and Brandon Hughes also seem likely to get another chance to compete, as both are trying to earn a spot in the bullpen.
Lineups and Notes
Jace Peterson (right wrist inflammation) officially returns to the starting lineup for the D-backs. Lovullo announced this would be the case in yesterday's pregame session with the media. Peterson was added to the injury report on March 1st. Click the card down below for all of yesterday's encouraging injury updates.
Thomas, Suárez, Walker and Peterson Nearing Return
Christian Walker, Alek Thomas, and Eugenio Suárez are all expected to return to the starting lineup tomorrow against the San Diego Padres.