Zack Greinke won’t start for Diamondbacks on Opening Day
Mar 19, 2018, 3:15 PM
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zack Greinke (21) looks down after giving up a base hit against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the third inning of game 3 of baseball's National League Division Series, Monday, Oct. 9, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Louvullo confirmed Monday that ace Zack Greinke will not be the team’s starting pitcher on Opening Day.
Arizona has not yet decided on a rotation or who could start in place of Greinke on Thursday, March 29, against the Colorado Rockies.
Greinke was scheduled to pitch on Monday against the Chicago White Sox but had a setback in his regular season preparation when he experienced right groin tightness in his start last Wednesday and was removed as a precaution after lasting just 1.0 inning and 19 pitches.
“I would say Zack is not in the mix to start Opening Day,” said Lovullo before Monday’s game.
Lovullo also confirmed that Greinke would have been the Opening Day starter had he been healthy with no setbacks.
“Every staff has a number one, and he fit the bill perfectly,” the manager said. “He started last year. He won 17 games last year. He was our staff ace. He carried us numerous times in numerous situations, and he would have deserved that Opening Day start.”
The right-handed Greinke went 17-7 with a 3.20 ERA and 215 strikeouts in 202.1 innings of work last season.
Greinke threw a bullpen session on Sunday and felt good afterward. He is progressing normally despite the minor setback.
Lovullo said the Diamondbacks anticipate that Greinke will be ready to pitch on the main diamond Wednesday against the Giants at Salt River Fields.
