Diamondbacks vs. Cubs Game Preview

Brandon Pfaadt makes his first spring start

The Diamondbacks will face off against the Cubs today at Salt River Fields starting at 1:10 P.M. 

Lineups

Brandon Pfaadt will make his spring debut. The #2 D-backs prospect as ranked by Inside the Diamondbacks is one of four rookie starting pitchers in contention for the 5th starter spot to start the season. Pfaadt is coming off a spectacular minor league season in which he won the Diamondbacks Minor League Pitcher of the Year Award.  His 218 strikeouts not only led all the minor leagues, but that total was the most of any minor league pitcher since 2001. He only walked 33 batters, while posting a 3.83 ERA pitching in the two of the most hitter friendly environments in minor league baseball. 

Pfaadt throws a Fastball, Curveball, Slider and Changeup. All four are above average offerings and he scores 60 command and 60 overall rating on the 20-80 scouting scale. For a detailed review on Pfaadt make sure to check out Michael McDermott's scouting report here 

Caleb Kilian is a 25-year-old right-hander who was drafted by the Giants in the 8th round in 2019. He was part of the Kris Bryant deadline trade in 2021. He made his major league debut last year, making three  rocky starts, giving up 15 runs, 13 earned, in 11.2 innings. 

The first six hitters in the Diamondbacks lineup today are all considered locks to be on the opening day roster. It's also a good opportunity to catch Jordan Lawlar at shortstop. Lawlar is the #3 overall prospect in the system, behind only Pfaadt and Corbin Carroll.  

In addition to Pfaadt, these pitchers are scheduled to throw for the D-backs today:

• RHP Bryce Jarvis
• RHP Corbin Martin
• RHP Scott McGough
• LHP Joe Mantiply
• RHP Justin Martinez
• RHP Raffi Vizcaino

Vizcaino is the only pitcher on this list who wasn't given an invite to big league camp.