AVANDATIMES.COM – The Arizona Diamondbacks are beginning to see their spring training roster return to full strength as several key contributors rejoin the club following their exits from the World Baseball Classic. Outfielder Alek Thomas and right-handed pitcher Michael Soroka have already reported back to the team’s facility at Salt River Fields, providing a much-needed boost to the Cactus League lineup.

Managerial Relief as Roster Replenishes

Manager Torey Lovullo expressed significant satisfaction with the influx of returning talent, noting that the team’s depth had been tested by recent minor league assignments and international absences. AvandaTimes observed that the atmosphere at camp shifted as familiar faces rejoined the clubhouse for the final stretch of spring preparations.

“It’s nice to see these athletes,” Lovullo remarked during a media session on Sunday. “It’s nice to get our guys back, fill up our roster. Our roster has been depleting by the day with some of the sendouts.”

The manager highlighted the quality of the returning group, which includes some of the organization’s most vital pieces. “It’s a very refreshing list and looks very full, and it’s a lot of really good names,” he added. “I’ve missed seeing those guys.”

Arenado’s Recovery and Thomas’s Performance

While Thomas and Soroka are already integrated back into the daily routine—with Thomas slated for center field duties against the San Diego Padres—third baseman Nolan Arenado is taking a more measured approach. The veteran infielder is expected to arrive in Arizona on Sunday but has requested a brief hiatus before resuming game action.

“He wants to get back tomorrow, just kind of decompress. The athletes that are coming back from the WBC have said the same thing to me. It’s a very intense atmosphere… they need to shut it down. I’m imagining it was like an instant playoff situation.”

Thomas returns to the Diamondbacks after a productive stint with Team Mexico, where he posted a .267/.316/.467 slash line and contributed a two-run home run. Lovullo noted that despite the tournament exit, Thomas was deeply moved by the experience. “He wished he could have done more for his team, but he said the atmosphere was as good as anything he can remember, and this is a kid that played in the World Series,” the manager said.

Remaining International Absences

Despite the recent arrivals, the Diamondbacks are still waiting on several high-profile players who remain active in the tournament’s later stages. The club’s full major league roster will not be complete until the conclusion of games involving Venezuela and the Dominican Republic.

Eduardo Rodriguez: Currently with Venezuela, potentially starting in the final if they advance past Italy.Ketel Marte, Geraldo Perdomo, and Carlos Santana: Representing the Dominican Republic in a high-stakes matchup against Team USA.

The Diamondbacks will continue to monitor these results as they finalize their Opening Day preparations in Scottsdale.