Eduardo Rodriguez to Start D-backs Spring Opener

The Diamondbacks prized offseason acquisition will get his first game action with Arizona.

The Diamondbacks will begin their slate of Cactus League games Friday against the Colorado Rockies. Manager Torey Lovullo named a starter for the team's spring opener, with left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez taking the bump.

This will be the first game action for Rodriguez, who signed a four-year deal with the D-backs in December. The D-backs expect him to provide some stability in the middle of their rotation, especially with the final two spots of the rotation going to youngsters.

"The beauty of what happens to him every fifth day is it's like let's get up, let's go to work" said Lovullo. "It's power ball, I'm getting after you and win a baseball game. He wants to be a great teammate. I see him sitting back of everyone throwing behind the mound just enjoying, watching, learning, and getting to learn his teammates that he doesn't know.

Lovullo also anticipates getting the starting infield into the game Friday, with Christian Walker, Ketel Marte, Geraldo Perdomo, and Eugenio Suárez getting their first game action. The D-backs manager hopes to get the starting outfield in on Saturday.

"It gets accelerated for the 4-5 days prior to the game. I think they've started to budget for it right now in their minds, what's going to happen on Friday. They're starting to slow things down a little bit, I think the guys are innately trying to find that sweet spot to be ready on Friday."