The first three starting pitchers who will take the mound for the Arizona Diamondbacks this spring will be the three battling for the final spot in the starting rotation.

Kirk Gibson says @tylerskaggs37 @patrickcorbin11 and @randalldelgado will start @dbacks first 3 Spring Training games

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) February 20, 2013

As of now there appears to be no favorite between the three. Skaggs is the more highly-touted and Delgado the most experienced, but Corbin pitched well in 17 starts for the D-backs last season.

“You’re looking at the total package,” Gibson said Wednesday. “It’ just not them throwing the ball, though that’s the most important part of it, but they still need to be able to do all the other things.”

Gibson did acknowledge that the pitchers’ respective Cactus League performances will play a part in his decision, but other factors will be considered.

“The thing about spring training is you’ve got to watch how much it influences you,” Gibson said. “Some guys will have great springs but the experience part and what they did last year certainly will factor in as well.

“It’s a different game when the regular season starts, no question about it.”

The Diamondbacks will open their spring slate Saturday against the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale at 1:10 p.m.

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