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Slade Cecconi Continues to Push for Rotation Spot

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Diamondbacks
By Jake Oliver | Last updated 3/1/24

The Arizona Diamondbacks take on the Cincinnati Reds at 6:05 P.M. at Goodyear Ballpark out in Goodyear, Arizona. You can listen to the game on the MLB TV App as the Reds are airing the game on their local radio station, subscription likely needed.

Slade Cecconi is on the bump for his second start of Spring Training. He's in the mix of starting pitchers competing for the No.5 spot in the rotation along with Tommy Henry and Ryne Nelson, among others. Cecconi was impressive in his first start. All four of his pitches recorded whiffs. He pitched two scoreless innings and struck out four batters, including a 1-2-3 inning in the first that were all punchouts. One factor to watch today is Cecconi's velocity on his slider as he works on it being higher to combat the batter's ability to hit it well.

Injury Note: Christian Walker is practicing today, fielding ground balls off of a machine, following his hit by a pitch during yesterday's game against the Giants. He had to leave the game following his hand being hit. The x-rays came back negative and he was ruled to have a contusion.

Today is "outfield day" for Arizona. Corbin Carroll is in center field with Alek Thomas still recovering from wrist inflammation. This allows Jake McCarthy to get his first back-to-back action of spring while he pushes to make the Opening Day roster. Pavin Smith is starting at first base as the starting infield, minus Perdomo, gets a day off. Perdomo is starting in his first back-to-back game of the spring, too.

The one to keep an eye on will be Blaze Alexander. He's had potentially the most impressive Spring Training of any of the Diamondbacks' position players. The 24-year-old shortstop is pushing to be on the Opening Day roster and prove that he can handle playing second or third base in addition to shortstop. So far, it's going swimmingly with excellent defense at both shortstop and second base. Plus, his bat is clicking with a .417 average and 1.084 OPS to go with a stolen base.

Slade Cecconi is projected to pitch three innings this evening. After that, the expected pitchers will be Ryan Thompson, Miguel Castro, Joe Mantiply and Luis Frías. There will likely be others as each of those pitchers is projected for just one inning. This will be Thompson and Mantiply's first outings in Spring Training. It will be good to see at least three of the likely Opening Day bullpen pitch in one game.

On the other side, for the Reds, the starter will be LHP Brandon Williamson. Williamson is competing for a spot in the Reds' rotation. Following him will be Carson Spiers, Brent Suter, Casey Legumina and Tyler Gilbert. That is the same Tyler Gilbert who threw the No-Hitter as a member of the Diamondbacks back in 2021 against the Padres.

Check back on Inside the Diamondbacks for the game coverage following the game.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Diamondbacks and was syndicated with permission.

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