What Nolan Arenado can provide offensively this season is something of an open question, but the early returns were encouraging for the Diamondbacks on Friday, Feb. 20.
Arenado homered in his first at-bat with his new team, turning in the offensive highlight of the day in the Diamondbacks’ 3-2 win over the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields.
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Arenado connected on a 1-1 slider from Rockies right-hander Antonio Senzatela, launching it 408 feet to left-center field.
“Home runs always feel good, I don’t care when they are,” Arenado said. “It’s nice to do it, but still have a lot of work to do.”
Arenado, whose offseason was spent tinkering with his swing mechanics, said he likes where he is at this point in camp. The adjustments show up most, he said, in how he sees the ball.
“The way I’m taking them (pitches) – I don’t feel like I’m forward and like, I don’t know, I can’t really explain it,” he said. “But the way I’m taking pitches is a good sign.”
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Shortstop Geraldo Perdomo sounded impressed.
“Amazing, amazing, amazing,” Perdomo said of Arenado. “This is going to be his breakout season this year, for sure. He’s going to look like he’s 28 years old again.”
Arenado, 34, a five-time Silver Slugger, is coming off a down season with the St. Louis Cardinals, with whom he hit just .237/.289/.377 in 401 at-bats.
“Nolan’s just got a great heartbeat, he’s so even-keeled,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said. “He’s a hard worker, a very dedicated teammate.”
—Nick Piecoro
Gallen tosses live BP session
Right-hander Zac Gallen faced hitters for the first time this month, throwing 20 pitches in a live batting practice session at Salt River Fields on Friday, Feb. 20.
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Gallen said he liked how the ball felt coming out of his hand and received good feedback about how it looked from the hitter’s perspective.
He also feels like he is right about on schedule compared with his fellow pitchers despite having signed a few days into camp.
While the Diamondbacks put a deadline on negotiations with Gallen that seemed to spur negotiations, Gallen intimated that he was nearing a sort of deadline of his own to sign, in part because he wanted to make sure he was putting himself in position to succeed.
“When negotiations had picked up, we were in the process of (asking ourselves), ‘Say this goes on for another two or three weeks, what does that look like?’” Gallen said. “It was getting to that point where it was kind of like, ‘Is this really smart to wait or (should we) just try to find something that’s fair.’ Because ultimately I think we were going to be in a spot where we were betting on ourselves anyway.”
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gavin Logan during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (2) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks Carlos Santana during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks Lourdes Gurriel Jr. during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks catcher James McCann (8) takes infield practice during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno (14) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks catcher James McCann (8) talks to pitcher Merrill Kelly during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks Jordan Lawlar during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Druw Jones during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks Lourdes Gurriel Jr. during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks assistant general manager Jeremy Bleich (left) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Pfaadt (32) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Druw Jones reacts during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Pfaadt (32) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks catcher James McCann (8) talks to pitcher Brandon Pfaadt (32) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks Carlos Santana during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks Alek Thomas (5) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno (14) takes infield practice during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (right) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks catchers James McCann and Gabriel Moreno (right) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026 in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno (14) throws a football during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo (17) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo (17) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks catcher James McCann (8) talks to pitcher Merrill Kelly during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Tommy Henry during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Tommy Henry during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Cristian Mena during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks Nolan Arenado during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (2) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks Lourdes Gurriel Jr. during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks Lourdes Gurriel Jr. during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo (17) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo (17) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks Tim Tawa during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Pfaadt (32) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Pfaadt (32) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Kohl Drake during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks Carlos Santana during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks Alek Thomas (5) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
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Diamondbacks get ready for spring training at Salt River Fields
Arizona Diamondbacks Jordan Lawlar catches a fly ball during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
The club instituted a deadline in part because of its experience two years ago with left-hander Jordan Montgomery, who pitched poorly after signing late.
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“Some guys might have an extra live (batting practice session) on me, but in terms of how I’m feeling, I feel like I’m right there,” Gallen said. “However the schedule gets shaken out in terms of being smart about it, that I don’t know yet. In talking to some other guys about where they are and how they feel, I feel like I’m right there.”
—Nick Piecoro
DBacks’ lineup for spring opener includes familiar names
The Diamondbacks’ lineup for their spring training opener on Friday, Feb. 20, is filled with familiar names.
Their first Cactus League lineup of 2026 includes at least seven players who could be in their Opening Day lineup next month.
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Here is how Lovullo filled it out for his team’s 1:10 p.m. game against the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields:
1. Ketel Marte, 2B; 2. Geraldo Perdomo, SS; 3. Pavin Smith, DH; 4. Gabriel Moreno, C; 5. Nolan Arenado, 3B; 6. Carlos Santana, 1B; 7. Alek Thomas, CF; 8. Ryan Waldschmidt, LF; 9. Jorge Barrosa, RF.
Lovullo is including several of his regulars on Day 1 in part because most of them will be departing for the World Baseball Classic at the end of the month.
—Nick Piecoro
Diamondbacks 3, Rockies 2
What stood out on Friday, Feb. 20 at Salt River Fields:
On the mound: The Diamondbacks used eight pitchers, with seven working an inning until José Cabrera threw the last two for the save. Several pitchers who appeared in the major leagues last season got work, including John Curtiss, Taylor Rashi, Bryce Jarvis and Andrew Hoffmann.
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At the plate: Arenado hit a home run in his first at-bat as a Diamondback, a line drive over the left field wall to lead off the top of the second inning. Arenado began his major league career in 2013 with the Rockies and spent the first eight seasons of his career in Denver. Ketel Marte, Geraldo Perdomo, Pavin Smith and Gabriel Moreno got three at-bats each, part of a starting lineup that included new third baseman Arenado and first baseman Carlos Santana, plus Alek Thomas in center field, top prospect Ryan Waldschmidt in left field and Jorge Barrosa in right. “It feels great to hit the ball hard,’ Arenado said. “I feel like I saw the fastball pretty good, too, which is nice. Good to get the first one out of the way in the first game.” Jacob Amaya, a non-roster invitee who played for the Chicago White Sox last season, singled in the tying run in the top of the eighth and scored the go-ahead run in the same inning.
Extra bases: Catcher Gabriel Moreno put the new automated balls and strikes system to use by challenging two pitches called balls that were overturned for strikes. The Diamondbacks went 4 for 5 on ABS challenges for the game. “We’re going to learn valuable lessons about the ABS system, and that’s just one of the first days,” Lovullo said. “We’ll log it, have conversations about it and keep teaching it.” Waldschmidt was hitless in three at-bats, but hit a ground ball with an exit velocity of 115.6 mph on his first at-bat of the game. First base coach Dave McKay had to leave camp early on Friday, so minor league coach Shawn Roof took over.
Next game, Saturday, Feb. 21: Diamondbacks LHP Mitch Bratt vs. Rockies RHP Valente Bellozo, 1:10 p.m., Salt River Fields. Lovullo said catcher James McCann, infielder Ildemaro Vargas and Smith will likely play, and Jordan Lawlar will be in center field.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Diamondbacks’ Nolan Arenado starts spring fast in Cactus League opener