Bullpen Game on Tap for D-backs in Tempe

Much of the expected Opening Day bullpen will take the mound today.

The Diamondbacks will take on the Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium. The game will be televised by Bally Sports West, which is available on MLB.tv as the Free Game of the Day.

Scheduled Pitchers

Expect much of the projected Opening Day bullpen in today's game. Closer Paul Sewald will get his first game action of 2024 after being a key piece in the team's postseason run last season. Joining him on the list of scheduled pitchers are Scott McGough, Kyle Nelson, Andrew Saalfrank and Kyle Backhus.

Nelson and Saalfrank are both competing for a spot in the bullpen, as the D-backs have assembled impressive left-handed relief depth for 2024. For much of 2023, they didn't have many reliable options. In the offseason they added Jose Castillo and Brandon Hughes on minor league deals. Both Castillo and Hughes have looked solid in Cactus League play so far. Kyle Backhus, who has made steady progress in the system since signing as a non-drafted free agent in 2021, was also invited to camp. Backhus has struck out five of the six hitters he's faced this spring.

Starting Lineups and Notes

D-backs vs. Angels Lineups: March 2, 2024 / Michael McDermott

First baseman Christian Walker is out of the lineup. Walker was hit in the right hand by a pitch two days ago. He is currently not throwing, swinging, or actively participating in team defensive drills. Tristin English gets the start at first and Andres Chaparro bats cleanup today.

Joc Pederson officially returns to the lineup today. Pederson left the team for a few days this week, as his wife gave birth to their fourth child. 

Second baseman Ketel Marte has been locked in this spring, going 6-for-10 with a triple. Marte is the only starting infielder in the lineup, with both corner infielders on the mend and Geraldo Perdomo starting back-to-back days.

Injury Updates

Infielder Jace Peterson and center fielder Alek Thomas both remain out through the weekend with right wrist inflammation. For both Peterson and Thomas, who are left-handed swingers, that's the bottom hand of the bat. 

Third baseman Eugenio Suárez is dealing with discomfort in the low-back, side area. He was originally scratched from the lineup on February 29th.

Torey Lovullo Gives Updates on Walker, Suarez, and Thomas

2024 Diamondbacks Camp Battles: 2nd Left-Handed Reliever