Diamondbacks' All-Righty Bullpen Faces Lefty Test

0:00It's March 24th. Welcome to MLB News Today, powered by AI and ready for first pitch. The Arizona Diamondbacks have finalized their opening day bullpen ahead of the season, and it's made up entirely of right handed pitchers. The group includes Paul Sewald, Kevin Ginkle, Ryan Thompson, Taylor Clark, plus non-Roster Invites Joe Ross, and Jonathan Lawezaga. That decision means top prospect Brandon Garcia, the club's number 20 overall, has the AA Reno to start the year. The team wants him to focus on throwing more strikes after some inconsistency this spring. Manager Tori LeVulo knows the lack of lefty stands out, but he's confident in his right handers who handle opposite-sided batters well. He pointed to Ginkle and Juan Marillo as key options against left-handed hitters based on their strong splits from last season. LeVulo expects Garcia back in the major soon once he sharpens his command and he sees potential in Lawezaga 2, even if it's early days with the team.

1:01For now, the focus is on matching up pitchers smartly right out of the gate. The bullpen gets a real test immediately, opening with a three-game series at Dodger Stadium starting Thursday at 5.30 pm. Tom against the line of loaded with lefty threats like Shohei Oltani and Freddie Freeman.