Here’s a look at the D-backs vs. Rockies Opening Day lineup
Mar 29, 2018, 2:28 PM | Updated: 3:02 pm
(AP Photo/Matt York)
The Arizona Diamondbacks’ first lineup of 2018 includes a top-heavy batting order Thursday against the Colorado Rockies.
It’s a bit different than what the D-backs sent out in their last meeting against Colorado, Arizona’s 11-8 NL Wild Card victory over right-handed starting pitcher Jon Gray in October.
David Peralta will lead off against Gray once again, but instead of Ketel Marte batting second, it’s A.J. Pollock who will precede Paul Goldschmidt in the No. 3 hole.
D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said that, like much of last year, Peralta and Pollock will take turns leading off based on matchups and availability.
With J.D. Martinez now playing for Boston and no longer backing Goldschmidt, Jake Lamb slides to the No. 4 spot in the batting order. The third baseman returns to a role following Goldschmidt that he was familiar with before Arizona acquired Martinez last season.
Lamb spent 80 games in the No. 4 hole a year ago but also had 40 games in the No. 3 slot and 17 games batting seventh.
Marte, first-year catcher Alex Avila, shortstop Nick Ahmed and right fielder Jarrod Dyson round out the Arizona lineup with pitcher Patrick Corbin batting ninth.
Marte didn’t take an at-bat fifth in the order in 2017 and only played 12 games in the No. 2 hole a year ago. Otherwise he batted mostly in the seventh and eighth spots.
Diamondbacks lineup
1. David Peralta, LF
2. A.J. Pollock, CF
3. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
4. Jake Lamb, 3B
5. Ketel Marte, 2B
6. Alex Avila, C
7. Nick Ahmed, SS
8. Jarrod Dyson, RF
9. Patrick Corbin, LHP
Rockies lineup
1. Charlie Blackmon, CF
2. D.J. LeMahieu, 2B
3. Nolan Arenado, 3B
4. Trevor Story, SS
5. Carlos Gonzalez, RF
6. Ian Desmond, 1B
7. Gerardo Parra, LF
8. Chris Iannetta, C
9. Jon Gray, RHP