Diamondbacks Spring Training: April 1, 2022
Tuesday saw another Arizona Diamondbacks spring training workout in the morning before a pair of split squad exhibition games. While the team worked out, the team announced that they had agreed to an extension with righty Merrill Kelly.
In the afternoon, one squad played a 1:15 pm exhibition game against the Chicago Cubs. Diamondbacks left-hander Madison Bumgarner faced Cubs righty Kyle Hendricks. The Diamondbacks won that game, 6–0, on the strength of strong pitching outings from Bumgarner, Ian Kennedy, Sean Poppen, Mitchell Stumpo, and Kevin Ginkel. Another highlight came in the bottom of the fourth, when Christian Walker, Pavin Smith, and Drew Ellis all launched tape-measure home runs.
Torey Lovullo Pre-game
Pitcher Luke Weaver was evaluated upon arrival Friday morning. Manager Torey Lovullo said that Weaver has some open skin on a “tiny wound” on his thumb. The team will continue to monitor the wound, but they feel that Weaver should be ready to go for his next turn in the rotation.
Lovullo said that the Opening Day starter will be announced either Saturday or Sunday. He acknowledged with a smile that the media members are “locked into counting days backwards,” joking that “it’s a great gift that you all have.” Doing the “reverse math,” as he later called it, shows that it will be Madison Bumgarner, but Lovullo will make an official announcement on Saturday or Sunday “out of fairness to the guy we’re going to name.”
The team made three roster moves with pitchers Friday morning. They optioned lefty Caleb Baragar and righty Matt Peacock to Triple-A Reno and reassigned righty Dan Straily to minor league camp. Peacock was “a very tough” conversation for Lovullo, given the time Peacock has already spent in the majors. Lovullo told Peacock where he needs to improve. Lovullo said, “I don’t think he necessarily felt like it was the greatest move, and (someone who is going down) should never feel that way. But he understood, and I know we’ll see him again. He was obviously disappointed but understands what he needs to do to get better.”
There are more roster moves to be made before Opening Day, which is Thursday against the San Diego Padres. These moves will involve both pitchers and position players.
Madison Bumgarner
Madison Bumgarner had a terrific outing against the Cubs Friday. He pitched five scoreless innings, allowing only one hit while striking out six and walking none. It was a model of efficiency, as he only threw 55 pitches and faced 16 batters, one more than the minimum. Reliever Ian Kennedy, who pitched the sixth, threw a seven-pitch inning. When Bumgarner heard how many pitches Kennedy threw, his eyes widened as he reacted in amazement.
Bumgarner was his usual humble self when asked about his own outing. “Good. I didn’t feel quite as strong as the other two days, but I still felt plenty good. It’s the way it goes sometimes. (Catcher Jose) Herrera did a great job. It was a pretty flawless transition, throwing to somebody I’ve never thrown to. That was exciting, and I thought he did well.”
Bumgarner was not focusing on one specific area. “(I made) sure that I threw everything that I might throw. Didn’t want to leave anything out and tried to get guys out at the same time.” He acknowledged that, despite the shorter spring, he feels ready to go.
One reporter asked if, despite the bullpen sessions and arm care in between starts, waiting for Opening Day is “kind of like waiting for Christmas morning.” Bumgarner said, “Yeah, but I don’t know if I’d describe it quite like that. Maybe more like a birthday for a guy who’s had a lot of birthdays.” The gathered reporters laughed hard before a grinning Bumgarner finished his thought. “Your birthday comes, and it’s good and whatever, but you’re probably not feeling like you do on Christmas morning.”
The Other Game
The Diamondbacks dropped the nightcap in Goodyear, 5–1, to the Cleveland Guardians. Tyler Gilbert had a rough four-inning outing, allowing five runs on seven hits, two of which were home runs.
Looking Ahead
Diamondbacks spring training continues Saturday, April 2. They will hold camp in the afternoon before hosting the Chicago White Sox at 6:10 pm. Merrill Kelly will face Lance Lynn in a battle of righties.
Main Photo:
Players mentioned:
Merrill Kelly, Madison Bumgarner, Kyle Hendricks, Ian Kennedy, Sean Poppen, Mitchell Stumpo, Kevin Ginkel, Christian Walker, Pavin Smith, Drew Ellis, Luke Weaver, Torey Lovullo, Caleb Baragar, Matt Peacock, Dan Straily, Jose Herrera, Tyler Gilbert, Lance Lynn
