Advertisement

Arizona Diamondbacks 2024 spring roster: Meet the pitchers

theo mackie, arizona republic
·9 min read

Arizona Diamondbacks spring roster: Pitchers

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale on Feb. 14, 2024.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale on Feb. 14, 2024.

Eduardo Rodriguez

Starting pitcher

Throws: Left

Opening Day Age: 30

How acquired: Free agent signing prior to 2024

Rodriguez was the Diamondbacks’ biggest acquisition of the off-season, providing a much-needed boost to a rotation that only had two reliable starters for long stretches of 2023. He had a 3.30 ERA with the Tigers last year, earning a four-year deal with $80 million guaranteed. In eight seasons, his career ERA is 4.03.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen talks to the media at the 13th annual DBacks Celebrity Golf Classic at Talking Stick Golf Club in Scottsdale on Jan. 19, 2024.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen talks to the media at the 13th annual DBacks Celebrity Golf Classic at Talking Stick Golf Club in Scottsdale on Jan. 19, 2024.

Zac Gallen

Starting pitcher

Throws: Right

Opening Day Age: 28

How acquired: July 2019 trade with Miami

There’s an argument to be made that Gallen is the most important player on the Diamondbacks. As the team’s unquestioned ace, he has a 3.24 ERA in five seasons with the club, and finished third in voting for the NL Cy Young last year. Last year, he posted a 3.47 ERA, although he was inconsistent in September and October after hitting a career-high for innings pitched.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly (29) in the dugout against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale on March 23, 2023.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly (29) in the dugout against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale on March 23, 2023.

Merrill Kelly

Starting pitcher

Throws: Right

Opening Day Age: 35

How acquired: Free agent signing prior to 2019

Kelly was the Diamondbacks’ most effective starter for much of last year, finishing with a 3.29 ERA. His postseason performance was even better, with a 2.25 ERA in four starts. He and Zac Gallen provide Arizona with one of baseball’s best 1-2 punches atop the rotation.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Kevin Ginkel during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale on Feb. 21, 2023.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Kevin Ginkel during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale on Feb. 21, 2023.

Kevin Ginkel

Relief pitcher

Throws: Right

Opening Day Age: 30

How acquired: 22nd round pick in 2016 amateur draft

Ginkel emerged as a crucial back-end piece for the Diamondbacks’ bullpen last season, when he posted a 2.48 ERA. In the playoffs, he went 11 2/3 innings without allowing a run. Entering spring training, he has a firm grasp on the set-up role behind closer Paul Sewald.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Miguel Castro throws in the bullpen during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale on Feb. 15, 2024.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Miguel Castro throws in the bullpen during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale on Feb. 15, 2024.

Miguel Castro

Relief pitcher

Throws: Right

Opening Day Age: 29

How acquired: Free agent signing prior to 2023

Castro had an inconsistent first year with the Diamondbacks in 2023. He finished the year with a 4.31 ERA and struggled in the postseason, including in Game 1 of the World Series, when he allowed a walk-off home run. In spring training, he’ll have the opportunity to jockey for a middle-inning role.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Slade Cecconi (43) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale on Feb. 15, 2024.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Slade Cecconi (43) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale on Feb. 15, 2024.

Slade Cecconi

Starting pitcher

Throws: Right

Opening Day Age: 24

How acquired: First round pick (33rd overall) in 2020 amateur draft

Cecconi provided valuable innings after his debut last August, when the Diamondbacks’ starting rotation was depleted. He finished with a 4.33 ERA in seven appearances, including four starts. He’s most likely to begin this year as rotation depth in Triple-A.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Luis Frias throws in the bullpen during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale on Feb. 15, 2024.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Luis Frias throws in the bullpen during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale on Feb. 15, 2024.

Luis Frias

Relief pitcher

Throws: Right

Opening Day Age: 25

How acquired: International free agent signing in 2015

The hard-throwing Frias has bounced between Triple-A and the majors for three seasons, but he found a groove after the All-Star break in 2023, earning an extended stay in Phoenix. He had a 4.06 ERA on the season. He will be among the group of relievers competing for the Diamondbacks’ final few roster spots.

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Tommy Henry (47) makes his warm-up throws before facing the San Francisco Giants in the first inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale on March 14, 2023.
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Tommy Henry (47) makes his warm-up throws before facing the San Francisco Giants in the first inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale on March 14, 2023.

Tommy Henry

Starting pitcher

Throws: Left

Opening Day Age: 26

How acquired: Second round pick in 2019 amateur draft

Henry was a steady presence at the back of the Diamondbacks’ rotation before going down with an elbow injury in late July that he has since recovered from. He finished the year with a 4.15 ERA in 17 appearances (16 starts). After the signing of Eduardo Rodriguez, Henry and Ryne Nelson are set to compete for the last rotation spot.

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Drey Jameson (99) throws against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Chase Field on April 23, 2023.
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Drey Jameson (99) throws against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Chase Field on April 23, 2023.

Drey Jameson

Starting pitcher

Throws: Right

Opening Day Age: 26

How acquired: First round pick (34th overall) in 2019 amateur draft

When the regular season starts, Jameson will be transferred to the 60-day injured list as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in September. Jameson is unlikely to return to action this season, but he should be healthy to compete for a rotation spot in 2025, barring any setbacks. Prior to suffering his initial injury in July, he had a 3.32 ERA in 15 appearances.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Bryce Jarvis (93) throws in the bullpen during the first day of spring training workouts at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale on Feb. 15, 2023.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Bryce Jarvis (93) throws in the bullpen during the first day of spring training workouts at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale on Feb. 15, 2023.

Bryce Jarvis

Starting pitcher

Throws: Right

Opening Day Age: 26

How acquired: First round pick (18th overall) in 2020 amateur draft

Jarvis made his major league debut in August and provided some valuable spot innings down the stretch, mostly out of the bullpen. He had a 3.04 ERA in 23 2/3 innings, although he struggled to rack up strikeouts. He is likely to begin the year as a depth option in Triple-A, either as a starter or a long reliever.

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Joe Mantiply (35) walks to the dugout during a pitching change against the Texas Rangers during the second inning in game four of the 2023 World Series at Chase Field in Phoenix on Oct. 31, 2023.
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Joe Mantiply (35) walks to the dugout during a pitching change against the Texas Rangers during the second inning in game four of the 2023 World Series at Chase Field in Phoenix on Oct. 31, 2023.

Joe Mantiply

Relief pitcher

Throws: Left

Opening Day Age: 33

How acquired: Free agent signing prior to 2020

After his All-Star campaign in 2022, last year was rockier for Mantiply, who dealt with a mix of injuries and underperformance. He finished the year with a 4.62 ERA and only struck out 6.5 batters per nine innings, down from 9.2 the year before. But in a righty-heavy bullpen, he’s one of just three left-handed relievers on the 40-man roster, giving him a clear path to the Opening Day roster.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Corbin Martin gestures to the photographers during spring training practice at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale on March 14, 2022.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Corbin Martin gestures to the photographers during spring training practice at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale on March 14, 2022.

Corbin Martin

Relief pitcher

Throws: Right

Opening Day Age: 28

How acquired: July 2019 trade with Houston

Martin missed the entire 2023 season with a lat tendon tear under his right shoulder. He has a career 6.71 ERA, and has bounced between Triple-A and the majors, working as an occasional starter and a long reliever.

Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Justin Martinez (63) throws to the Houston Astros in the fourth inning at Chase Field in Phoenix on Oct. 1, 2023.
Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Justin Martinez (63) throws to the Houston Astros in the fourth inning at Chase Field in Phoenix on Oct. 1, 2023.

Justin Martinez

Relief pitcher

Throws: Right

Opening Day Age: 22

How acquired: International free agent signing in 2018

Martinez might have had a 12.60 ERA in 10 appearances last year, but he possesses a rare skillset, regularly hitting triple digits on the radar gun. The challenge for him is improving his control, as he looks to make a long-shot run at an Opening Day roster spot. More likely, he’ll open the year in Triple-A to continue his development.

Scott McGough #30 of the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrates with Carson Kelly #18 after a 5-3 victory against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on June 22, 2023, in Washington, DC.
Scott McGough #30 of the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrates with Carson Kelly #18 after a 5-3 victory against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on June 22, 2023, in Washington, DC.

Scott McGough

Relief pitcher

Throws: Right

Opening Day Age: 34

How acquired: Free agent signing prior to 2023

McGough’s first year with the Diamondbacks — after signing as a free agent following a stretch in Japan — was a weird one. He was unhittable for long stretches, but struggled mightily at other times. He ultimately finished the year with a 4.73 ERA, and should slot into a middle-inning role to begin 2024.

More DBacks: Meet the infield | Meet the outfield

Cristian Mena

Starting pitcher

Throws: Right

Opening Day Age: 21

How acquired: February 2024 trade with White Sox

The Diamondbacks traded outfielder Dominic Fletcher in exchange for Mena just before the start of spring training. Mena was the White Sox’s No. 10 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, and slots in at No. 12 for the Diamondbacks. He has racked up impressive strikeout rates in the minor leagues, but struggled occasionally with walks. He is expected to start the year in Triple-A.

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Ryne Nelson (19) walks back to the dugout at an MLB game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre in Toronto on July 14, 2023.
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Ryne Nelson (19) walks back to the dugout at an MLB game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre in Toronto on July 14, 2023.

Ryne Nelson

Starting pitcher

Throws: Right

Opening Day Age: 26

How acquired: Second round pick in 2019 amateur draft

Along with Tommy Henry, Nelson will compete for the final spot in the Diamondbacks’ rotation behind its entrenched top four starters. He impressed after debuting in 2022, but struggled to generate strikeouts last year and finished the year with a 5.31 ERA in 29 appearances (27 starts).

Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Kyle Nelson (24) throws a pitch against the Texas Rangers during the second inning in Game 4 of the 2023 World Series at Chase Field in Phoenix. The DBacks lost to the Rangers 11-7, putting the Rangers at 3-1 in the World Series.
Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Kyle Nelson (24) throws a pitch against the Texas Rangers during the second inning in Game 4 of the 2023 World Series at Chase Field in Phoenix. The DBacks lost to the Rangers 11-7, putting the Rangers at 3-1 in the World Series.

Kyle Nelson

Relief pitcher

Throws: Left

Opening Day Age: 27

How acquired: Waiver claim from Cleveland prior to 2022

Nelson finished 2023 with a 4.18 ERA after posting a 2.19 ERA the year prior. He had a strong first half before dealing with some home run problems down the stretch. Nelson will be one of three left-handed relievers competing for a roster spot. It’s likely that either two or three of those pitchers will make the major league team out of camp.

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Brandon Pfaadt (32) during workouts prior to Game 3 against the Texas Rangers in the World Series at Chase Field in Phoenix on Oct. 29, 2023.
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Brandon Pfaadt (32) during workouts prior to Game 3 against the Texas Rangers in the World Series at Chase Field in Phoenix on Oct. 29, 2023.

Brandon Pfaadt

Starting pitcher

Throws: Right

Opening Day Age: 25

How acquired: Fifth round pick in 2020 amateur draft

Pfaadt’s ERA in his debut season was 5.72, but his performance down the stretch suggested better things in 2024. He had a 4.22 ERA following his third call-up in July, and shone in the postseason with a 3.27 ERA in five starts. Even after the addition of Eduardo Rodriguez, Pfaadt is locked into the No. 4 spot in the Diamondbacks’ rotation.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Andrew Saalfrank (27) fields a ground ball during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale on Feb. 15, 2024.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Andrew Saalfrank (27) fields a ground ball during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale on Feb. 15, 2024.

Andrew Saalfrank

Relief pitcher

Throws: Right

Opening Day Age: 26

How acquired: Sixth round pick in 2019 amateur draft

Saalfrank emerged from anonymity down the stretch last season, pitching 10 1/3 scoreless innings after his call-up in September. Those performances earned him a high-leverage role in the postseason, although he struggled with his control in October. He is one of three left-handed relievers on the 40-man roster and will be aiming to make the Opening Day roster.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Paul Sewald is all smiles before the team takes on the Philadelphia Phillies for Game 6 of their NLCS at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on Oct. 23, 2023.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Paul Sewald is all smiles before the team takes on the Philadelphia Phillies for Game 6 of their NLCS at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on Oct. 23, 2023.

Paul Sewald

Relief pitcher

Throws: Right

Opening Day Age: 33

How acquired: July 2023 trade with Seattle

Sewald stabilized the Diamondbacks’ bullpen after arriving from Seattle at the trade deadline, giving them a reliable closer and enabling the rest of the unit to fill out from there. He converted 13 of 15 saves with Arizona in the regular season and six of seven in the postseason, although his blown save in Game 1 of the World Series provided critical.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Peter Strzelecki (33) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale on Feb. 15, 2024.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Peter Strzelecki (33) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale on Feb. 15, 2024.

Peter Strzelecki

Relief pitcher

Throws: Right

Opening Day Age: 29

How acquired: August 2023 trade with Milwaukee

Strzelecki only made one appearance with the Diamondbacks after arriving in exchange for Andrew Chafin at the trade deadline. He spent most of the second half with Triple-A Reno, where he struggled in 13 appearances. With the Brewers, he had a 3.63 ERA between 2022 and 2023. He is a long shot to break camp with the major league team.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Ryan Thompson (81) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale on Feb. 15, 2024.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Ryan Thompson (81) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale on Feb. 15, 2024.

Ryan Thompson

Relief pitcher

Throws: Right

Opening Day Age: 31

How acquired: Minor league free agent signing in 2023

Thompson used his unusual sidearm delivery to become a critical piece of the Diamondbacks’ bullpen in September and October after he was released by the Rays. Between the regular season and postseason, he had a 1.09 ERA with Arizona in 22 appearances. He is likely to have a high-leverage role when the team breaks camp.

Arizona Diamondbacks Blake Walston poses during photo day at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale on Feb. 22, 2023.
Arizona Diamondbacks Blake Walston poses during photo day at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale on Feb. 22, 2023.

Blake Walston

Starting pitcher

Throws: Left

Opening Day Age: 22

How acquired: First round pick (26th overall) in 2019

Walston was added to the 40-man roster in November to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, though he remains unlikely to reach the majors early in the season. After showing impressive signs in parts of 2021 and 2022, he struggled in Triple-A last year, walking nearly as many batters as he struck out. He finished the year with a 4.52 ERA in 30 appearances.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Diamondbacks 2024 spring roster: Meet the pitchers