Hear From Manager Torey Lovullo Ahead of Game One

The Arizona Diamondbacks are experiencing a new wave of success under long-time manager Torey Lovullo. Lovullo has led the D-backs through the waves of their short-lived playoff run in 2017 and through the perils of the 2021 season. During that time, the D-backs manager kept working hard and helping develop the next wave of strong and young Diamondbacks' talent that would help them get back to the postseason. Now, the D-backs are set to embark upon their first NLCS game since 2007. The Philadelphia Phillies are a tough test, but the D-backs have a veteran-tested manager to helm their ship.

Lovullo spoke with the media prior to Game 1 on Sunday. One subject he talked about was his connection with Phillies manager Rob Thomson, with whom he played with in the minor leagues in 1987. He said " I've always been a huge fan of his because I know how much he loves baseball. I know what type of a player he was and his appreciation for the game...his team has been excelling ever since he has been their manager. I'm happy for him every single day."

The series between the veteran and proven Phillies who went to the World Series last year against the new and inexperienced Diamondbacks reminded Lovullo of his 2013 season with the Boston Red Sox who won the World Series after beating the impressive and heavy favorite Detroit Tigers in the ALCS. He sees that being a similar situation for the D-backs and that it will be a "heavyweight bout."

With Zac Gallen on the bump for Game 1, Lovullo talked about how process-oriented Gallen is and that he's positive Gallen will "be able to block out anything else, whether it's the excitement or curiosity. Hell process that all and be ready to go" ahead of what will be the biggest game of his career. However, Lovullo made sure that he doesn't want Gallen or any of his team to deny the excitement, instead he wants them to "embrace it and figure out how to get back in your routine."

Lovullo confirmed that Gabriel Moreno is healthy and ready to go for the NLCS along with Ketel Marte and Lourdes Gurriel Jr who both sat out practice on Friday.

As for whether the D-backs will lean on their bullpen even more despite it being a seven-game series in nine days and if they're ready for that, Lovullo said "We're going to be mindful of the roster construction. We're going to maybe change out a little bit and get an extra arm in there. I have to probably utilize some other pieces at the right times, but I'm going to lean on those guys. I think they're ready for that challenge. I think everybody knows this is playoff baseball, and you ask your body and mind to do something just a little bit different and just a little bit longer. They'll be ready to go."

The team subsequently announced the NLCS roster, adding Slade Cecconi to help give length and innings coverage.

Game One is Monday Night at 5 p.m. local AZ time with Zac Gallen against Zack Wheeler.