Eduardo Rodríguez Looks to Rebound in Second Spring Start
The Diamondbacks will take on the Milwaukee Brewers at Salt River Fields at 1:10 P.M.. The game will be featured on the radio, 98.7 FM Arizona Sports Station. The Diamondbacks are looking to rebound after a tough game yesterday against the Angels.
Scheduled Pitchers
Eduardo Rodríguez is back on the bump for his second start of Spring Training. His first go-round did not go quite so well with his first pitch being rocked for a home run. He lasted just 1+ innings and gave up four runs, four hits and two home runs to go with two walks and two strikeouts.
However, it's Spring Training for a reason, and the results don't matter as much as health and working on his pitches. Rodríguez wasn't concerned following his outing and is looking to have better command of his pitches in today's outing.
The Diamondbacks are betting big that Rodríguez can be the perfect No.3 pitcher in their rotation behind co-aces Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen. It will be key to see him locate his pitches better while maintaining the velocity he had in his first outing. He will likely pitch three innings today.
The other scheduled pitchers for the D-backs will be a string of right-handers. Bryce Jarvis is battling for a roster spot and will follow Rodríguez. Josh Green, Jose Castillo, Dakota Chalmers, Ricky Karcher and Chris Rodriguez are set to pitch in today's game.
Starting Lineups
The Diamondbacks and Brewers' lineups for March 3rd, 2024.
Jake Oliver
Today is "outfield day" for Arizona. Corbin Carroll is in center field with Alek Thomas still recovering from wrist inflammation. This allows Jake McCarthy to get his first back-to-back action of spring while he pushes to make the Opening Day roster.
Pavin Smith is starting at first base as the starting infield, minus Perdomo, gets a day off. Walker is still not swinging a bat, so Smith will continue to start in his place. Kyle Garlick is back in the lineup after hitting two homers in Friday's night game.
Gabriel Moreno is behind the plate for the first time with Rodríguez pitching. The chemistry between the two will be intriguing to see. Rivera and Alexander will continue to battle for what could be one spot on the team's Opening Day roster.
Alexander is being given work at second base to see how he does as he's a natural shortstop. His bat has been on fire this spring with a .467 average and 1.267 OPS in 15 at-bats. He has seven hits including three extra-base hits. He has the most potential, but the team might not want him to sit on the bench as he still has starter potential.
Meanwhile, Rivera is struggling this Spring Training. Over his 12 at-bats, he has just two hits, good for a .167 average and .417 OPS. He's capable of playing first or third base and will start at third base today.
On the Brewers' side, their ace Freddy Peralta is on the mound today. He's their new No.1 pitcher with Corbin Burnes being traded and Brandon Woodruff recovering from shoulder surgery. Slated to pitch for them is new LHP DL Hall, potential late-inning reliever RHP Abner Uribe, and RHPs Elvis Peguero and Trevor Megill.
Check back on Inside the Diamondbacks for the game coverage following the game.
