Key Roles the Diamondbacks Quietly Locked In This Spring

Manager Torey Lovullo announced that infielders Ildemaro Vargas and Tim Tawa both made the major league roster. They will both be used in utility infield roles, though Vargas is the one more likely to serve as the D-backs' backup shortstop behind Geraldo Perdomo. Tawa would only be used in that spot in case of emergency.

"I love his versatility," Lovullo said of Vargas. "He can play second, third, short. We had no first baseman for the final two and a half weeks of the season last year. We put him at first base in a pennant race. It's crazy. And he held his own."

Both Vargas and Tawa filled in at first base during 2025, and both are capable of playing every infield position. Tawa is also a useful outfielder, in a pinch.

Vargas crushed the baseball in spring training, hitting .378/.391/.600 with two homers in 15 Cactus League games. Tawa hit a similarly productive .318/.426/.523 with two homers in 16 games.

Closer - RHP Paul Sewald

Torey Lovullo has not officially named his closer, but the writing is certainly on the wall that it will be Arizona's former World Series closer once again.

Paul Sewald has looked much sharper this spring, and is seeking a bounce-back after an injury-riddled 2025. His fastball velocity is up a tick, hanging between 91-93 again, and he has a 2.57 ERA this spring.

"I really like what I saw," Lovullo said, when asked if Sewald would be the D-backs' closer once again.

"It's the personality. It's the confidence. It's not looking glossy-eyed in a very critical situation. Those are the things that I know of, and the stuff is matching right now. So what does that mean? It looks really good."

"We're going to count on Paul. We're definitely going to count on Paul."

Lovullo has maintained that he may not even officially announce a closer until game time itself, but it certainly looks like Sewald is headed for that job once again.

Fourth Outfielder - Jorge Barrosa

Jorge Barrosa is another bubble player who was officially named to the opening day roster on Monday. Barrosa has always been a high-quality defensive outfielder — perhaps sneakily the best on the team — but has struggled to hit consistently, even in the minor leagues.

Barrosa has been explosive this spring, however, hitting to an impressive .333/.404/.714 slash with three homers over 15 games. His speed on the bases doesn't hurt, either.

For the time being, Barrosa will be the next man up, and may very well start a decent chunk of games, behind Corbin Carroll, Alek Thomas and Jordan Lawlar.