Diamondbacks Face Mariners in Spring Showdown: Which Rising Star Will Steal the Spotlight?

Funny how certain moments stick with you—like the last time I visited Peoria Sports Complex, getting a COVID shot. No, it wasn’t just yesterday; time has a strange way of sticking nonsense in your brain. Tonight, the Arizona Diamondbacks are rolling over to face off against the Mariners, a team that recently locked up Josh Naylor for a hefty five-year deal worth $92.5 million. It’s a little strange not seeing Eugenio Suarez around anymore, now repping the Reds; trades have shuffled this deck quite a bit. The Mariners and D-backs have been busy trade partners over recent years, usually spinning some winning magic on both sides. But now? They square off on the field.

Following Ryne Nelson’s outing, the mound staff showcases a lineup featuring right-handers Taylor Clarke, Juan Morillo, Juan Burgos, Joe Ross, Taylor Rashi, and Daniel Eagen. There’s chatter swirling—could Clarke snag Opening Day starter honors for the D-backs, especially with Merrill Kelly sidelined? Considering his last season’s stats, one might say yes, yet youth and limited game experience—only Brandon Pfaadt’s less seasoned—might complicate things. Surely, Zac Gallen’s presence factors in too. Let’s hope the team steers clear of the kind of pitching woes we saw with Corbin Burnes last year.

For those wanting to catch the action, the game is airing on the Mariners’ broadcast but is also streamed live on dbacks.tv, with a scheduled appearance on MLB Network. Plus, fans can look forward to a March 10th clash at Camelback Ranch against the Dodgers—subject to schedule tweaks, of course—which is a sweet addition to the lineup.

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Last time I was at Peoria Sports Complex, I was getting a COVID shot. Wasn’t yesterday either. Weird what sticks in your mind. Anyway, tonight sees the D-backs heading over for a potential get-together with Josh Naylor, who signed a long-term contract – 5 year, $92,500,000 – with Seattle. Though it’ll be a little odd not seeing Eugenio Suarez, who is now a memebr of the Reds. It does feel like the Mariners and D-backs have been frequent fliers as trade partners over the past few years, and it has usually worked out quite well for both. But tonight, they face off against each other.

After Ryne Nelson’s start, it’ll be RHP Taylor Clarke, RHP Juan Morillo, RHP Juan Burgos, RHP Joe Ross, RHP Taylor Rashi and RHP Daniel Eagen. I wonder if there’s a chance he will be the Opening Day starter for the D-backs, now that Merrill Kelly is out? After last season’s performance, it would seem like he deserves it, but there may be other factors at play. He’s younger and less experienced than everyone else bar Brandon Pfaadt, and while it doesn’t “matter”, there’s something to be said for Zac Gallen as well. Hopefully, we won’t see the same issues as last year with Corbin Burnes.

A few options to watch this one tonight. It will be the Mariners’ broadcast, but will be available on dbacks.tv, and is also scheduled to be broadcast on the MLB Network. They’ve additionally added the March 10th game at Camelback Ranch against the Dodgers to their schedule (subject to change), so that’s nice.