Two veteran relievers clinch jobs on Diamondbacks' Opening Day roster
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Two veteran relievers clinch jobs on Diamondbacks' Opening Day roster
Nick Piecoro, Arizona Republic
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4 min read
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Right-handers Jonathan Loaisiga and Joe Ross have made the Diamondbacks' Opening Day bullpen.
Loaisiga's inclusion was long anticipated. Signed to a minor-league deal in January, he showcased impressive stuff, including a fastball in the upper-90s, and posted solid results during spring training, logging a 3.86 ERA in seven appearances.
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"I thought he had some of the better stuff in our pen," Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen said. "We're trying to improve the aggregate stuff that we have going out there, from a (swing and) miss standpoint, and he looked good. He had a good spring."
Arizona Diamondbacks Jordan Lawlar catches a fly ball during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona Diamondbacks' Nolan Arenado (28) rounds the bases after hitting a home run off Colorado Rockies pitcher Antonio Senzatela (49) in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona Diamondbacks' Gabriel Moreno (14) bats against the Colorado Rockies in the fourth inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona Diamondbacks' Alek Thomas (5) runs to second base after hitting a double against the Colorado Rockies in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
D. Baxter the Bobcat, the Arizona Diamondbacks mascot, signs autographs during the spring training season opener against the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona Diamondbacks' Nolan Arenado (28) reacts after hitting a home run off Colorado Rockies pitcher Antonio Senzatela (49) in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
The Arizona Diamondbacks take the field against the Colorado Rockies during the spring training season opener at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona Diamondbacks' Nolan Arenado (28) hits a home run over Colorado Rockies left fielder Zac Veen (13) in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
The Salt River Pima - Maricopa Indian Community traditional dancers perform at the Arizona Diamondbacks spring training season opener at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona Diamondbacks' Nolan Arenado (28) hits a home run off Colorado Rockies pitcher Antonio Senzatela (49) in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona Diamondbacks' Nolan Arenado (28) hits a home run off Colorado Rockies pitcher Antonio Senzatela (49) in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
A fan and her dog cheer for the Arizona Diamondbacks during the spring training season opener against the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Alek Thomas (5) signs autographs during the spring training season opener against the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Colorado Rockies pitcher Juan Mejia (47) throws to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the third inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Fans watch the action on the left field lawn as the Colorado Rockies host the Arizona Diamondbacks during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Andrew Hoffmann (56) throws to the Colorado Rockies in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona Diamondbacks' Nolan Arenado (28) reacts after hitting a home run off Colorado Rockies pitcher Antonio Senzatela (49) in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Alek Thomas (5) catches a fly ball from Colorado Rockies' Edouard Julien (6) in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Philip Abner (50) takes the mound against the Colorado Rockies in the third inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks' 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks Jordan Lawlar catches a fly ball during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks' 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks Jordan Lawlar catches a fly ball during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks' 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks' Nolan Arenado (28) rounds the bases after hitting a home run off Colorado Rockies pitcher Antonio Senzatela (49) in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks' 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks' Gabriel Moreno (14) bats against the Colorado Rockies in the fourth inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks' 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks' Alek Thomas (5) runs to second base after hitting a double against the Colorado Rockies in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks' 2026 spring training
D. Baxter the Bobcat, the Arizona Diamondbacks mascot, signs autographs during the spring training season opener against the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks' 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks' Nolan Arenado (28) reacts after hitting a home run off Colorado Rockies pitcher Antonio Senzatela (49) in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks' 2026 spring training
The Arizona Diamondbacks take the field against the Colorado Rockies during the spring training season opener at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks' 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks' Nolan Arenado (28) hits a home run over Colorado Rockies left fielder Zac Veen (13) in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks' 2026 spring training
The Salt River Pima - Maricopa Indian Community traditional dancers perform at the Arizona Diamondbacks spring training season opener at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Infielder Nolan Arenado anchors Arizona Diamondbacks. See the photos
Arizona Diamondbacks' Nolan Arenado (28) hits a home run off Colorado Rockies pitcher Antonio Senzatela (49) in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks' 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks' Nolan Arenado (28) hits a home run off Colorado Rockies pitcher Antonio Senzatela (49) in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks' 2026 spring training
A fan and her dog cheer for the Arizona Diamondbacks during the spring training season opener against the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks' 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Alek Thomas (5) signs autographs during the spring training season opener against the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks' 2026 spring training
Colorado Rockies pitcher Juan Mejia (47) throws to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the third inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks' 2026 spring training
Fans watch the action on the left field lawn as the Colorado Rockies host the Arizona Diamondbacks during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks' 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Andrew Hoffmann (56) throws to the Colorado Rockies in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Infielder Nolan Arenado anchors Arizona Diamondbacks. See the photos
Arizona Diamondbacks' Nolan Arenado (28) reacts after hitting a home run off Colorado Rockies pitcher Antonio Senzatela (49) in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks' 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Alek Thomas (5) catches a fly ball from Colorado Rockies' Edouard Julien (6) in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks' 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Philip Abner (50) takes the mound against the Colorado Rockies in the third inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Loaisiga, 31, has a career 3.54 ERA in parts of eight seasons in the majors, all with the New York Yankees.
Ross had been trending toward making the club in recent weeks as it became apparent that his ability to go multiple innings in relief appealed to the Diamondbacks.
"I think his ability to get out to 50-60 pitches is a big separating factor for us, especially early, as the starters won't be built out to where they're going to be in a few weeks," Hazen said. "So having somebody like that is of critical importance, especially early."
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Ross, 32, has been primarily a starter in his big-league career but worked largely in relief last season with the Philadelphia Phillies. He has a 7.71 ERA in seven innings during the Cactus League, working with a fastball in the 94-96 mph range along with a slider and curveball.
Only a few roster decisions remain
The Diamondbacks optioned left-hander Philip Abner on Sunday, March 22, leaving them with three pitchers, lefty Brandyn Garcia and right-handers Juan Morillo and Andrew Hoffmann, for two spots. The club is also canvassing the trade market for potential additions to the bullpen.
Relief pitcher Joe Ross #16 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches against Team Mexico during the sixth inning of the MLB exhibition game at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on March 03, 2026 in Scottsdale.
The club made two other roster moves, re-assigning infielder Jacob Amaya and catcher Aramis Garcia to minor league camp.
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Amaya's departure seems to point to infielder Ildemaro Vargas making the club, but the team has not committed to that. It could be that it is keeping its options open to an external addition.
Garcia's strike-throwing issues in recent outings have pushed him onto the bubble of the roster and have forced the Diamondbacks to consider the possibility of not having a left-hander in the bullpen to open the year.
As of now, six relievers — all right-handers — are assured of being in the Diamondbacks' season-opening bullpen: Paul Sewald, Ryan Thompson, Kevin Ginkel, Taylor Clarke, Loaisiga and Ross.
Hazen declined to comment on the remaining decisions, saying he would explain them further after they have been made, likely on Monday, March 23.
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Diamondbacks 11, Padres 1
At Peoria Sports Complex
At the plate:C Gabriel Moreno hit a pair of majestic homers, capping a huge night at the plate for the Diamondbacks against RHP Walker Buehler, who is expected to be the Padres' No. 5 starter. Moreno's first homer was a 108-mph, 445-foot blast to left field in the third inning. The next one, in the fourth, was hit at 110.1 mph and went 459 feet. Moreno added a double at 101.2 mph in his first at-bat. CF Jorge Barrosa and 2B Ildemaro Vargas also homered off Buehler. Top prospect LF Ryan Waldschmidt had three hits, including a double.
On the mound:In what was perhaps the most notable outing of the evening, LHP Brandyn Garcia struck out two in a perfect inning. Garcia had been viewed as highly likely to make the Opening Day roster, but strike-throwing issues in recent weeks cast doubt on his status. He threw strikes on 10 of his 15 pitches against the Padres. Whether that outing was strong enough to give the Diamondbacks enough confidence to put him on the roster remains to be seen. RHP Juan Morillo, who also is vying for a roster spot, gave up a solo homer to 1B Gavin Sheets but retired the other three batters he faced. RHP John Curtiss started and threw two scoreless, hitless innings, walking one and striking out four.
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Extra bases:Moreno was playing his first game behind the plate since March 9. He exited after five innings, which manager Torey Lovullo said a day earlier was the plan. The Padres had burned through both of their ABS challenges one batter into the bottom of the first inning. C Freddy Fermin challenged a call at the top of the first, and RF Fernando Tatis Jr. did the same in the bottom of the first. Both calls stood.
Next game, Monday, March 23:Diamondbacks RHP Merrill Kelly vs. Guardians RHP Slade Cecconi, 6:40 p.m., Chase Field.
(This story has been updated to add new information.)
