ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Arizona Diamondbacks’ Randall Delgado fine with bullpen role

Feb 20, 2014, 10:41 PM | Updated: 10:42 pm

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Despite perception that indicates otherwise, the Arizona Diamondbacks contend their starting rotation is not yet set.

Sure, five players appear to have spots locked up, but Archie Bradley or Randall Delgado may be able to move in and push someone out.

On-field performance will dictate which five pitchers break camp as starters, not service time and certainly not contracts, be it how many years a player is signed or how many dollars a player is owed.

Bradley, the team’s 21-year-old top pitching prospect, is participating in his first big league camp. Though projected to be a star in time, he would appear to be a long shot to crack the April rotation.

That leaves Delgado, whom the Diamondbacks acquired as part of the Justin Upton trade.

He and Bradley were expected to compete to be the fifth starter, but that changed following the addition of Bronson Arroyo on the first day of spring training.

The Arroyo signing means that in no particular order — and none has been decided upon, at least not publicly — he, Trevor Cahill, Patrick Corbin, Brandon McCarthy and Wade Miley figure to be the five pitchers manager Kirk Gibson will have at his disposal to start the season.

Of course an injury could always throw a wrench into the plan, so Delgado must remain ready.

“I’ve been a starter all of my life, so I would like to start,” he said.

Delgado, 24, made 19 starts last season, going 5-7 with a 4.17 ERA, 23 walks and 76 strikeouts in 114.1 innings.

Should he not win a starter’s job this spring, Delgado more than likely will find himself shifted to the bullpen.

“If they decide to send me to the bullpen it’s OK. I don’t have a problem with that,” he said. “My job is just trying to pitch and get the outs. That’s it.”

Delgado is out of minor league options, meaning if the Diamondbacks did want to send him to the minors, they would have to expose him to the waiver wire first, where he could be claimed by another team.

“I feel pretty good (about remaining a Diamondback) if it’s a starter or a reliever, I don’t care,” he said. “I just try to make good adjustments and then just pitch as hard as I can.”

Delgado has made only two career relief appearances, including a two-inning stint in his D-backs debut June 3 at St. Louis.

Despite the uncertainty in his role moving forward, Delgado said he feels good with the progress he’s made thus far in spring, specifically working on keeping his pitches down in the zone.

His confidence is high.

“Let’s see what happens,” Delgado said. “I just try to pitch good every time I can.”

Arizona Diamondbacks

Jordan Lawlar, D-backs...

Damon Allred

Diamondbacks shortstop Jordan Lawlar to have thumb surgery

Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Jordan Lawlar will have surgery on his right thumb after tearing a ligament, GM Mike Hazen said on Wednesday.

12 hours ago

General shot of Chase Field...

Bailey Leasure

What’s new at Chase Field for the 2024 D-backs season?

The Arizona Diamondbacks 2024 season will see the team debut new food items, enhancements to the ballpark and giveaways.

18 hours ago

Bryce Jarvis #40 of the Arizona Diamondbacks throws a pitch during the second inning in the game ag...

Vincent DeAngelis

Bryce Jarvis starting season in long reliever role for Diamondbacks

Twenty-six-year-old Bryce Jarvis will start the 2024 season in a long relief role for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

18 hours ago

Jordan Montgomery...

Alex Weiner

Reports: Diamondbacks, LHP Jordan Montgomery agree to terms on contract

The Diamondbacks and big-ticket free agent pitcher Jordan Montgomery agreed to terms on a contract, according to multiple reports on Tuesday. 

1 day ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Zac Gallen says Diamondbacks are ready for opponents’ best daily

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen joined Burns & Gambo to talk about the excitement surrounding his second straight Opening Day start for the Snakes, and the overall excitement the team has for the coming season.

1 day ago

Kevin Ginkel...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks’ Kevin Ginkel has no problem if asked to close in Paul Sewald’s absence

Diamondbacks reliever Kevin Ginkel has not been told whether he will step into the closer role with Paul Sewald on the injured list.

1 day ago

Arizona Diamondbacks’ Randall Delgado fine with bullpen role