Alek Thomas and Eugenio Suárez Return to Lineup for Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres play a Cactus League game today at Salt River Fields. Game time is 1:10 P.M., and the game will broadcast as the free game of the day on MLB.TV
Lineups
D-backs vs. Padres Lineups: March 5, 2024
Michael McDermott
Alek Thomas is back in center field after missing over a week due to wrist inflammation. Eugenio Suárez had been dealing with some lower back and side soreness, but he too has returned to the lineup. It had been reported on Sunday by Michael McDermott that both players were trending in the right direction and return to the lineup soon.
In fact, today's game features most of the projected opening day lineup, with the exception of Christian Walker, who is still recovering from being hit by pitch on his right hand, and Gabriel Moreno. Tucker Barnhart is in a battle with Jose Herrera for the backup catcher role, and he takes a turn today to try to further his case. He's swung the bat well so far, going 3-for-6 with a walk, and Torey Lovullo has gone out of his way to praise his defense and leadership behind the plate. He appears to be the front-runner for the roster spot.
The Padres have sent over a mostly reserve lineup from Peoria today, however former Diamondback fan favorite Tim Locastro will be playing right field and batting 8th for San Diego.
Pitching Probables
Ryne Nelson gets the start today. The right-hander is having a good spring so far in his quest to claim the 5th starter's spot. In five innings pitched he has struck out 10 batters and has yet to issue a free pass. He's given up just one run on a solo homer. More importantly, his stuff has been sharp. His fastball has been sitting in the mid to upper 90's and he has been developing a hard slider. He has been getting plenty of swing and miss, which was lacking last year. Nelson and Tommy Henry are locked in a battle for the last rotation spot. Henry had a rough game yesterday against the White Sox in which he had difficulty executing his pitches. He'd previously thrown two strong scoreless outings.
Most of the D-backs projected opening day bullpen is also expected to play today, including closer Paul Sewald, who is developing a new changeup. That's definitely something we are keeping an eye on this spring. We can also expect to see Miguel Castro, Scott McGough, Joe Mantiply and Andrew Saalfrank.
