Right-hander Archie Bradley of the Arizona Diamondbacks does not sound like a player on the bubble. Though that’s his current state, Bradley remains excited, animated and eager.
When pitchers and catchers arrived earlier this week at the Diamondbacks’ Salt River spring training venue, that was his projection. Sporting a full, lumber jack-like beard and radiant personality, Bradley spoke like a pitcher who already wrapped up a spot in the five-man rotation. Instead, Bradley remains one of six competing for those five precious spots.
Here at the advent of camp, three appear to be secure. Zack Greinke is considered the Diamondbacks’ number one pitcher and followed by Shelby Miller, Robbie Ray, and newly acquired righty Taijuan Walker.