D-backs ace Zack Greinke continues finding comfort in final spring tune-up

PEORIA, Ariz. – Arizona Diamondbacks ace Zack Greinke took to the field Tuesday for his final start of the spring before leading the way for the rotation starting Opening Day on Sunday.

Against the Seattle Mariners in his final tune-up, Greinke seemed content with his progress this offseason.

“I’m throwing the ball pretty close to where I want it to end up, and I’m starting to feel more comfortable with guys on base — how to make pitches when guys are on base,” he said. “Sometimes you’re a little rusty going early into camp, but I feel more comfortable in that situation. I’ve worked with all the catchers, that’s all pretty cemented now, so just hopefully I can continue getting better as the season starts.”

Greinke threw four innings on Tuesday in a 15-6 win over the Mariners, allowing three runs on six hits with no walks and no strikeouts. Forty-one of the 57 pitches he threw were for strikes, and he tossed 13 more pitches in a bullpen session after the game, manager Torey Lovullo said. Greinke’s fastball velocity for the game topped out at 91 mph.

At times, Greinke was in “This is still just Spring Training, right?” mode, as demonstrated by a poorly executed pickoff move in the bottom of the third to get Jean Segura at second base that almost went into the outfield. He also threw a wild pitch in the first inning.

But in the end, all is forgiven when it comes to a pitcher who rakes. Greinke did just that, adding a single that was smoked into the outfield in the top of the third and a double in the fourth which he later scored on via an A.J. Pollock home run.

The Mariners did pull out some tricks to start the game. After a Segura double, a Mitch Haniger bunt tested Greinke’s fielding early on. Greinke also ran into trouble in the third with a pair of RBI doubles by Haniger and Nelson Cruz.

Needless to say, the D-backs ace got his money’s worth from Seattle.

Ironically, the two biggest thorns in Greinke’s side were former teammates Segura and Haniger, who went 4 for 4 against the righty.

When asked about having extra nerves or excitement for getting the start on Opening Day, Greinke acknowledged his feelings.

“I would say for most players, or at least in my experience, my first start was always more so, but then there’s also a little more excitement on all Opening Day’s games,” he said. “Maybe just a little more for that, but your first outing is always pretty intense.”

Greinke gets the start on Sunday when the D-backs begin their season at Chase Field against the San Francisco Giants.

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