Ryne Nelson, Drey Jameson to Face Critical Tests Today

Ryne Nelson and Drey Jameson will each pitch in Cactus League split squad action for the Diamondbacks today. Nelson pitches against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park in Mesa, game time is at 1:05 P.M. The Cubs broadcast of that game can be viewed on MLB T.V. Jameson meanwhile will face the Los Angeles Dodgers at home in Salt River Fields, game time 1:10 P.M.

The game is broadcast being broadcast by Bally Sports Arizona as well as the Dodger's SNLA broadcast. Streaming options here

Nelson and Jameson, who are both 25 years old, are the last two remaining rookies in contention for the 5th rotation spot to open the season. Brandon Pfaadt and Tommy Henry were each sent out over the last week and now that competition is down to the aforementioned duo. This is the last opportunity for each of them to make their case for the Opening Day roster, presuming the team has not already made their decision, which is entirely possible.

Nelson's spring started out rough but he has looked much better in his last couple of starts. Jameson started off a little better, but has had a few hiccups lately. Mike Hazen has cautioned against looking at Spring ERA, and that is a wise choice. But we can see a few things in their respective stat lines. Nelson's control issues show up in the walks and hit by pitch. Jameson has had better control, but his stuff is straighter and can be hit hard when contact is made, (see 3 HR allowed) despite touching 100 MPH on the gun once in a while.

It should also be noted that two times Jameson was pulled mid inning, while Nelson was pulled four times mid inning. The inability to complete a clean inning has been an ongoing issue for Diamondbacks starters as they try to get stretched out for the regular season.

However the competition shakes out for the start of the season it's almost certain that whoever ends up getting sent back to Reno will end up back in MLB at some point in the season. The same can be said for Pfaadt and Henry. But the first 23 games of the season are a brutal test for the team and it's critical they make the correct roster choices to start the season.

Lineup Notes, Game 1

Jake McCarthy, who had been out a week with "Flu Like Symptoms" is back in the clubhouse at Salt River Fields today and feeling good, but is still not back in either lineup for the D-backs. Corbin Carroll is getting a rep in right field. The team has stated repeatedly that when he plays, Alek Thomas will be in centerfield as he is today. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is best suited for left field. These four should end up rotating and between them get the vast majority of outfield reps.

Emmanuel Rivera is getting a rep at first base today. The team must decide who will back up Christian Walker at first. Torey Lovullo said earlier in camp that Pavin Smith is higher on the depth chart for that backup position however.

Nelson is facing most of the expected opening day lineup for the Cubs, including Dansby Swanson, Cody Bellinger, Nico Hoerner, and Eric Hosmer. So this should be firm test.

The Diamondbacks will be facing Cubs 25 year old right hander Hayden Wesneski. Traded by the Yankees to Chicago at least year's deadline he had a successful six game callup in September, posting a 2.18 ERA in 33 innings, with just 7 walks and 33 K's. He's had a successful spring as well, allowing just 4 runs in 12 innings while striking out a whopping 17 batters against 4 walks.

Lineup Notes, Game 2

Kyle Lewis is back out in the outfield today, testing his legs and knees. He has surged to the forefront of spring competition for an outfield/DH spot, showing off the power that won him the AL Rookie of the year award in 2020 hitting. He's currently 10-20, with three doubles and two homers. Most of his at bats have come at DH.

The Dodgers only have a few expected opening days starters in the lineup, but the most prominent is Freddie Freeman, who had to pull out of the WBC due to a hamstring issue.

26-year-old right hander Michael Grove is starting for the Dodgers. he made 6 starts and a relief appearance last year, posting a 4.60 ERA in 29.1 innings. He's making his 6th start of spring training but has thrown just 12.1 innings, giving up six runs, including three homers. But he's walked just one while striking out 14. He's quite far down the depth chart for the Dodgers however and is not expected to make the rotation.