SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The D-backs started Spring Training saying they were going to take it slow with ace Zack Greinke during the elongated spring, and according to Greinke, that's how it's played out.
The former Cy Young Award winner took an incremental step forward in his preparation toward Opening Day in an exhibition game against World Baseball Classic semifinalist Netherlands on Saturday. Against a lineup that featured five Major League starters, Greinke gave up one run on six hits in five innings in a 12-5 D-backs victory. He struck out two and threw 70 pitches.