Ryne Nelson Sharp In Tune-Up Against Guardians

Fresh off winning the competition for the fifth rotation spot, right-hander Ryne Nelson turned in a strong start in a 3-1 win over the Cleveland Guardians. Nelson allowed just one run on four hits, no walks, and five strikeouts in 5.2 innings. He was in control of all four of his pitches, throwing 50 of his 66 pitches for strikes.

It was a great sign for Arizona's No. 6 prospect, who started this spring a little wobbly but kept getting better with each start. He was able to jump ahead of hitters, with a first-pitch strike to 13 of the 21 batters faced and filled up the zone with 14 called strikes on the day. His next start will come April 3rd against the San Diego Padres.

Drey Jameson and Andrew Chafin got some work in ahead of the regular season. The D-backs No. 5 prospect faced one hitter, Oscar Gonzalez, and easily retired him on three pitches on a pop up to short. Chafin faced three hitters, allowing a single and getting a pair of ground ball outs.

The Diamondbacks scored their first run without having to take the bat off their shoulders in the second against Cal Quantrill. Quantrill walked Corbin Carroll after a full count, then hit Gabriel Moreno and Alek Thomas with pitches to load the bases. Geraldo Perdomo drew a five-pitch walk to score Carroll from third.

The D-backs took the lead in the seventh. P.J. Higgins drew a leadoff walk despite having a clock violation during the at-bat. Tim Tawa doubled to put two runners in scoring position with no outs. Sacrifice flies by Perdomo and Cristofer Torin broguht them both home.

Druw Jones played his first game at Chase Field, entering the game in the fifth inning. In his first at-bat, the D-backs No. 4 prospect chased Guardians right fielder Korey Holland to the fence on a flyout before singling to right in his second at-bat.

Justin Martinez faced mostly minor leaguers, who were easily overpowered by his explosive fastball. All five of his fastballs registered triple digits, and he registered one strikeout each on his slider and splitter.

In late breaking news, as reported by Nick Piecoro of AZ Central, Joe Mantiply will start the year on the injured list due to shoulder fatigue and be replaced by fellow left-hander Kyle Nelson.

Carlos Vargas and Jose Herrera have made the roster, Torey Lovullo said. Joe Mantiply (shoulder fatigue) will open the year on the injured list; Kyle Nelson will take his place.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) March 28, 2023