Brandon Pfaadt Sharp in Final Spring Start

The right-hander endured a tough first inning, but cruised through five innings in his final tune-up for the regular season

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Brandon Pfaadt (32) throws to the Cleveland Guardians in the fifth inning. / Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY

It had been 16 days since Brandon Pfaadt last appeared in a major league Spring Training game. After shaking off some early rust in the first inning, the right-hander found his stride and cruised through the final four innings. Pfaadt faced most of the Cleveland Guardians starting lineup today, allowing just three hits, didn't walk a batter, and struck out four. At one point, he retired nine straight hitters and allowed just one of the final 14 batters to reach. He should be a full go for starting the series finale against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday.

Blaze Alexander and Jake McCarthy each made one last big statement in their final opportunity to make the team. Alexander crushed a two-run home run in the 4th, a blast that landed in the Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers restaurant in the upper deck in left field. McCarthy also smoked a ball to right field, which Statcast also registered as a barrel, for a two-out triple in the 5th. The D-backs face tough roster decisions over the next 48 hours, as both McCarthy and Alexander each have their merits to make the club.

The D-backs are relatively set with their pitching staff, with 13 healthy pitchers on their active roster. Manager Torey Lovullo has already announced his starting rotation and the bullpen is still reeling from the loss of Paul Sewald. The team needs to decide who the backup shortstop should be and who is best suited to replace Randal Grichuk while he finishes his rehab from offseason ankle surgery.

Rotation/Health Updates

• Ryne Nelson will face live hitters in preparation for his start against the New York Yankees on April 1st.
• Injured left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez is expected to pick up a baseball this week, although it's unclear if that means he will start throwing on a mound soon. Rodriguez is currently dealing with a left lat strain.