Tommy Henry Optioned to Triple-A Reno

The competition for the final starting rotation spot is down to two pitchers, with Henry being optioned to Triple-A Reno.

Another domino falls in the competition for the No. 5 starter in the Opening Day rotation, as the Diamondbacks announced they've optioned left-hander Tommy Henry to Triple-A Reno.

The #Dbacks optioned LHP Tommy Henry to Triple-A Reno.

There are 39 players left in camp.

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) March 20, 2023

Coupled with Brandon Pfaadt being re-assigned to minor league camp yesterday,  Drey Jameson and Ryne Nelson are the only two pitchers left. D-backs general manager Mike Hazen said last month that past performances have earned players a certain "pecking order" in the competition, which likely put Jameson and Nelson ahead at the start.

Looking at last season, here's how the three pitchers performed:

• Henry: 9 GS, 3-4, 5.36 ERA, 36/21 K/BB 
• Nelson: 3 GS, 1-1, 1.47 ERA, 16/6 K/BB
• Jameson: 4 GS, 3-0, 1.48 ERA, 24/7 K/BB 

In five Cactus League appearances, four starts, Henry pitched to a 5.51 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP. He struck out 18 and walked nine in 16.1 innings. Two of his last three starts were scoreless, including going 4.2 scoreless innings yesterday against the Kansas City Royals, but that ultimately wasn't enough to gain ground on the competition.