Three Arizona Diamondbacks’ starters worry fans about spring performances

Right-hander Michael Soroka took the mound in the Cactus League finale against the Cleveland Guardians, but only made it through 3.1 innings after allowing 10 hits and six earned runs, including two home runs. In 12 innings this spring, Soroka posted a 7.50 ERA and a 2.00 WHIP.

The concern goes beyond Soroka, as Arizona’s projected front-line starters, Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, also had tough springs. Along with Soroka, the trio combined for a 9.29 ERA over 28.3 innings with a 2.15 WHIP. For a team that will need to rely on pitching stability, that’s a notable concern for the fanbase.

Mar 18, 2026; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly (29) throws against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

While these preseason numbers don’t define what a full 162-game season will bring, they do highlight some concerning underlying trends — especially hard contact and inconsistent command.

The issue isn’t solely the results, but who those results are attached to. Elevated WHIP and earned run totals can point to traffic on the bases and little room for error in hittable zones. These factors can quickly derail games as the regular season begins.

Spring Training is typically a time for building strength and refining mechanics, but many are viewing these numbers through a more immediate lens. After two years of inconsistency — not only from the starting rotation but also the bullpen — fans don’t want to see the club miss another postseason opportunity due to pitching struggles.

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— Mandatory (@AZTXMandatory) March 24, 2026

Want to believe these numbers are a product of some testing… I mean, I’d be comfortable knowing this is a result of some “ok, let me try locating my 4th best pitch against this power hitter right here…”

— Comentador Geral da República (@georgebmelo) March 24, 2026

This is going to be a long year

— Kyle Carlson (@KyleCar35115970) March 25, 2026

Not great!

— No Step on Snek (@NoSteponSnek77) March 24, 2026

However, there is some perspective to consider.

Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen (23) pitches against the Brewers during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on March 20, 2026. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Fewer than 30 innings of work don’t fully reflect where these pitchers truly are. Short-term results often don’t carry over into a full season. The D-Backs are betting on experience and the ability to make quick adjustments once games begin to count.

For fans, the concern is about trajectory — and with the season opening against the reigning World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, it will be an early test of where the club’s starting rotation stands.