PHOENIX — Opening Day is right around the corner, and the Arizona Diamondbacks have some serious questions about their pitching staff. The starting rotation, and bullpen is all but set.. but who makes the cut?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!There is speculation around the starting rotation, especially with the opening day starter. Although I do believe the 1-5 has already been set. Regardless if it’s Zac Gallen or Corbin Burnes on the mound, they will be the number 1 and 2 pitchers in this rotation.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Corbin Burnes throws to the Chicago Cubs in the third inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on March 3, 2025. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Moving down the list, I do believe the next three starters will be Merrill Kelly, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Brandon Pfaadt. Ryne Nelson, who was one of the Diamondbacks best starters the last months of 2024 (ERA 3.14), would be the first odd man out. Jordan Montgomery, whose $22.5 million dollar salary is still on the books, will try and get through another hurdle as he was injured earlier in spring training this season.
This bullpen has a lot of moving pieces and at some points of the season, I’m betting will look different at times. What the Dbacks are wondering, is where do their other starters that miss the rotation fit in, and who is their closer. Sensing that Ryan Thompson, Kevin Ginkel, and Joe Mantiply will retain their roles, the closer position in my opinion comes down to A.J. Puk or Justin Martinez. Where will the other guys such as Drey Jameson and Kendall Graveman fit in? Will Ryne Nelson or Jordan Montgomery be taking one of their spots?
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Justin Martinez during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on Feb. 14, 2025, in Scottsdale. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
No matter what though, the sight of watching our beloved Diamondbacks run out onto the field for the first time of the season is going to feel intense, in a good way. No matter who is pitching.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
