With just two days left before the start of the regular season, the only question left with the Opening Day roster was the final bullpen spot and the backup catcher situation. John Gambadoro, co-host of the Burns and Gambo show on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, reports that Carlos Vargas has won the final bullpen spot and José Herrera will be the backup catcher.
Vargas edged out non-roster invitee Ryan Hendrix for the final bullpen spot. The Diamondbacks No. 20 prospect can reach triple digits with both a 4-seamer and a sinker and complements it with a sharp slider in the low-90s. Arizona picked him up in the off-season in a trade that sent fellow pitching prospect Ross Carver to the Cleveland Guardians. In 11 spring appearances, Vargas pitched to a 2.61 ERA with 13 strikeouts and four walks in 10.1 innings. He projects to develop into a backend of the bullpen arm in the future, if he can tighten up the command in the big leagues.
Herrera will make the Opening Day roster for the second year in a row. Originally signed out of Venezuela in July 2013, it nearly took a decade to get to the big leagues. Known more for his defensive skills than his bat, Herrera's past familiarity with the pitching staff will help them try to navigate the first two months of the season without Carson Kelly.
With Vargas and Herrera getting the final two roster spots, this is a tentative snapshot of the team's Opening Day roster, barring any potential moves in the next two days.
Rotation: Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Madison Bumgarner, Zach Davies, Ryne Nelson
Bullpen: Miguel Castro, Scott McGough, Joe Mantiply, Andrew Chafin, Kevin Ginkel, Cole Sulser, Drey Jameson, Carlos Vargas
Catchers: Gabriel Moreno, Jose Herrera
Infield: Christian Walker, Ketel Marte, Nick Ahmed, Josh Rojas, Evan Longoria, Geraldo Perdomo
Outfield: Corbin Carroll, Alek Thomas, Jake McCarthy, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Kyle Lewis
More must-reads: