Spring Training Game 3 Preview: White Sox at Diamondbacks

Slade Cecconi takes a turn as a dark horse 5th rotation spot candidate

The Diamondbacks host the Chicago White Sox today at Salt River Fields in their third Cactus League game. Game time is 1:10 P.M. Arizona Time. The game is not broadcast on MLB.TV today, buy you can listen on radio ESPN 620

Slade Cecconi

Right-hander Slade Cecconi gets the start today in an effort to advance his case for the 5th starter's spot. While Tommy Henry and Ryne Nelson are clearly 1-2 on the depth chart, Cecconi is still in the mix, and a good spring performance could put him on par with the other two. At the very least, he'll  be in the Reno rotation waiting in the wings for his opportunity, either as a starter in the event of someone faltering or getting injured, or perhaps in a relief role.  Mike Hazen is notably hesitant to convert starters to relievers, as he's been burned in the past switching guys back and forth between the roles and getting injured. He stated earlier this spring that if they convert a starter to a relief, then they won't convert them back to starting within season. So for now, Cecconi is a starting pitcher.

Torey Lovullo spoke about Cecconi prior to the game. "He's in the mix of getting the opportunity of showing what he can do for the 5th spot. I know the targets are [Tommy] Henry and Ryne [Nelson], but there are some guys that can go out and compete and show us what they can do and put themselves right in the mix."

Cecconi was further down the depth chart entering last season, behind Henry,  Nelson, Drey Jameson and Brandon Pfaadt. Lovullo praised Cecconi for advancing. He was in a tier with pitchers like Blake Walston and Bryce Jarvis. "He was that next layer of guy......he jumped ahead of them all and got to the big leagues pitched some meaningful innings for us. He can get after it. We're trying to figure out how to lengthen out his outings and be a better pitch maker the third time around the lineup, that was his challenge."

In 2023 Cecconi made four starts and three relief appearances in the regular season, posting a 4.33 ERA and 4.37 FIP.  In 27 innings he gave up 27 hits, including four homers, but walked just four batters while striking out 20.  He then tacked on two more scoreless relief outings in the NLCS against the Phillies. He was largely a two-pitch pitcher, averaging 94 MPH on his four seamer, which he threw 59% of the time, and an effective sider that he threw 27%, generating a 36% whiff rate. In order to become a legitimate starting option Cecconi will need to further develop his curveball and changeup which he used just a combined 15% of the time.  

Lineups

White Sox at Diamondbacks Lineups , February 25th / Jack Sommers

Torey Lovullo has rotated back in his starting infield lineup while going with the back up outfielder alignment. This is much like how he lined it out for the first game against the Rockies.  Pavin Smith is in lineup for the first time this spring  as the DH, in place of Ivan Melendez. Smith was having a bit of fatigue in his legs working through spring drills. They'll be going up against 6'6" right-hander Jonathan Cannon who is a non roster invitee for the White Sox in his 3rd professional season. 

Other pitchers expected to appear for the D-backs today include Luke Albright, Humberto Castellanos, Francisco Morales, Austin Pope, and Christian Montes De Oca

More Notes From the Manager

Kevin Ginkel  (elbow) threw another bullpen yesterday and the next step for him will be to throw a live bullpen session to hitters. 

Expect more of the relievers expected to be on the opening days roster be cycled in over the next week. The team has been intentionally holding some of them back, giving them a slower ramp due to the postseason workloads. 

Zac Gallen will make his first start of spring training on March 1st in Goodyear against the Reds.