The Ain’t No Fang Podcast: Padres series leaves more questions for D-backs

The Arizona Diamondbacks have one series under their belt this season. How did it go?

It ended with them using a catcher as a pitcher. That’s never good. 

Despite a dramatic finish on Opening Day, the offense was practically non-existent against the San Diego Padres.

Even a legendary home run from DH Seth Beer on “National Beer Day” couldn’t spark anything for the rest of the series.  

Did the walk-off homer set unnecessary expectations for this team? Why was Beer not in the lineup the next day? 

Things didn’t go much better on the mound. Lefty Caleb Smith surprised many of us by winning a spot in the starting rotation, but followed it up with a lackluster outing.  

Smith was clearly a better reliever than starter in 2021, so how long of a leash will he get in the rotation?

He’s a better fit in the bullpen, and the numbers back that up. Smith was demoted to the bullpen after only one start in last season, could it happen again? 

Speaking of things that are short-lived, right-handed pitcher Luke Weaver already found himself on the injured list.

The team says he’s dealing with elbow inflammation, but he’s also struggling with inconsistency.

How long will he be out and what role will he play in the bullpen going forward?

We have more questions than answers after one series, but Steve Zinsmeister and Cody Fincher provide clarity on The Ain’t No Fang Podcast, an Arizona Sports podcast.