Matt Peacock is competing for a role for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He will be looking for any type of pitching role in 2022 on the big-league roster. Last year he was a starter, a long reliever, a setup guy, and an all-around reliever. He was a great story in a forgettable 2021 season and hopes to improve this year.
Competing for a Spot
Spring Training is in full effect, and yes, once again the Diamondbacks are looking at another rebuilt bullpen. Peacock will be in competition with several others for a spot in the rotation. With his experience from last year, he is hoping to be one of the final pitchers on the Opening Day roster.
Last Season
After being on the “taxi” squad to start the 2021 season, Peacock was called up on April 6, 2021, He made his MLB debut that night against the Colorado Rockies, picking up his first MLB win in a 13-inning victory.
Peacock went on to have an excellent April with 8 1/3 innings pitched and 1.08 ERA over five games. He was mostly used as starter in May and June but was rocked with a 6.80 ERA. He was able to recover the rest of the season out of the bullpen bringing his ERA down to 3.79 for July and August. His season essentially ended in September when he was optioned to Reno, but he finished with an overall ERA of 4.90.
Historical Debut
Peacock did, however, have an historical debut that night in Colorado. He recorded his first MLB hit off of Rockies reliever Ben Bowden, becoming the first pitcher since Marino Pieretti in 1945 to make his debut in extra innings and record his first hit and get the win. For this, he received the game ball from the final out and the ball from his first major league hit along with the lineup card commemorating his historic debut.
Minor Leagues
Selected by the Diamondbacks in the 23rd round of the 2017 Major League Baseball draft, Peacock made his professional debut with the Hillsboro Hops. Over 22 relief appearances, he recorded a 0–2 record, with a 2.45 ERA. He began the 2018 season with the Kane County Cougars and finished with the Visalia Rawhide. He was used as both a starter and as a reliever with a 7–6 record and a 4.20 ERA over 28 games.
With the Jackson Generals in 2019, he went 8–4 with a 2.97 ERA over 21 games. He did not play a minor league game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Diamondbacks still added him to their 40-man roster after the 2020 season.
Peacock’s Arsenal
Peacock brings a mix of pitches, especially his 92-95 mph sinker. His changeup is a real challenging pitch that generates an extreme number of groundballs compared to other Diamondbacks pitchers. That pitch fades and dives down out of the zone, making hitters miss more than usual. Although his fastball is not overpowering—usually staying in the 88-92 MPH range—he can bring it at up to 94 if needed.
Needs Improvement
Matt Peacock knows there is room for improvement if he is going to make the team. Coaches mentioned that he needs better control—a walk rate of 2.92 is not positive especially when you don’t strike out many hitters. During 2022 spring training, new pitching Coach Brent Strom has worked with him on his mechanics and pitch selection. The coaches have seen some positive changes and will continue to look to see him get better.
Outlook
Matt Peacock may not be a dominant force on the mound, but his flexibility that he showed out of the bullpen was positive. And, as we know every MLB bullpen needs a pitcher like Peacock. He has that unique pitch for that ground ball to get out of an inning. If, he does not make the Opening Day roster, there are still opportunities for the Diamondbacks and Peacock. He is on the team’s official 40-man roster and the team still has two option years on him.
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