Bronson Arroyo feeling better since scratched spring start

After being troubled with a stiff back just prior before his second scheduled start this spring, Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Bronson Arroyo is regaining his health and is on track to join the pitching rotation when the team returns from its two-game series in Australia.

“He’s much better today,” D-backs Manager Kirk Gibson said Friday. “He’s going to throw again today and hopefully throw a bullpen session Sunday, and if he’s better, three days later we might get him in a simulation game.

“You can tell he knows he feels better too just by his attitude and the way he’s carrying himself around. He’s a little more talkative today.”

The 37-year-old will not travel to Australia with the team, staying in the country with fellow pitchers Brandon McCarthy and Wade Miley. They will be designated as the three “inactive” players, while the rest of the full roster will be announced Saturday.

Arroyo, who has not spent time on the disabled list in the past nine seasons, has not been ruled out for the D-backs home opener against the San Francisco Giants that is scheduled for March 31.

Follow @AZSports