PHOENIX – The first week of a baseball season rarely defines a team. However, context matters, and for the Arizona Diamondbacks, a 0–3 start that was punctuated by a sweep at the hands of Los Angeles revealed where the problems lay early. It’s not about hitting the panic button, but gaining clarity of the issues at hand and how they can be fixed against the Tigers.
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Mar 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga (43) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Opening night at Chase Field offers something more valuable than the feeling of being back at home; it’s a reset in approach and possibly the standings. Arizona’s formula last season was simple but effective, hovering around league-average run prevention while squeezing out offensive consistency. Those margins disappear quickly when starting pitching and bullpens get overworked or are inconsistent.
Mar 28, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (57) reacts after being pulled from the game during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Mike Soroka is less a known quantity and more a strategic gamble. On a one-year deal, he represents upside without certainty. In 2025, Soroka had a 3-8 record with a 4.52 ERA and 1.13 WHIP across 89.2 innings pitched. That reality shifts the burden to the lineup early. If Arizona doesn’t generate runs in the first three innings, the game tilts toward Detroit, and toward Justin Verlander, whose return brings both narrative gravity and tactical stability.
Mar 26, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Ryan Thompson (81) throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Verlander’s presence isn’t just sentimental; it’s efficient. Even in the later stages of his career, he manages to limit chaos. Although for Arizona, if they are able to get on the scoreboard first, dictate tempo, and shorten the game, they could be in a prime position to get their first win of the season.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
