Important Roster Updates from Torey Lovullo
Things are taking shape and slowly coming into clearer focus. Here is what the manager had to say today
Today's Roster Moves
As previously reported here the Diamondbacks made three more roster moves today, re-assigning right-hander Jeurys Familia to minor league camp and optioned Kyle Nelson and Luis Frías to Triple-A Reno. Speaking of these moves Lovullo spoke to how tough the evaluations are and the difficult conversations that take place in his office. But he said the message will be consistent:
"be ready...we go 6-7-8-9 deep in the starting category and we probably go at least 10 guys deep into the bullpen. We told them to make sure they were in the best position to be the first callup and anything is possible. They're still very difficult conversations"
Jeury's Familia: Lovullo cited inconsistent pitch shaping as the main reason they were not able to make a commitment to Familia. He said if he has an opportunity to sign with a major league club he should take it, but if not, he's in the right spot should he accept the assignment to Triple-A
Kyle Nelson: "That one stung a little bit. He was somebody that we all counted on last year. He had a [low] ERA for the first half of the season. Then he gets banged up, and fought to get back out there and do his thing. he had some good and bad moments." Consistency may not have been what it needed to be in spring training.
Whichever of Drey Jameson or Ryne Nelson is not named fifth starter is still under consideration for a bullpen role, somewhat contrary to earlier statements
Zac Gallen named opening day starter: "He's earned it" Lovullo said. "He was one of the top pitchers in the NL last year, he anchored our staff all year last year. I just think he deserves it" This will be Gallen's first MLB opening day start.
Gallen is making his final start of spring today against the Reds
Rotation order in LA against the Dodgers: Lovullo confirmed that Merrill Kelly will pitch the second game of the series, followed by Madison Bumgarner in game three and Zach Davies in game four on Sunday
Fifth Starter Competition: They expect to figure it out and finalize before they break for Chase Field for the Monday exhibition against the Guardians. They play a day game on Tuesday at Chase as well, and then travel to LA immediately following, so they need to put this to bed before Sunday.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. will start to get some reps at first base within 48 hours. He took ground balls at first this morning. The implications here are important, as previously Pavin Smith was considered number two on the first base depth chart behind Christian Walker. If Gurriel can man first base on occasion, that gives the team the flexibility to include Kyle Lewis on the opening day roster instead of Smith.
