The Arizona Diamondbacks are poised for a three-game sweep against the New York Yankees as they head into their Thursday matchup at Yankee Stadium. Merrill Kelly, with a promising 1.69 ERA, is set to pitch against the Yankees' Carlos Carrasco, who is struggling with a 13.50 ERA. Last night, Zach Gallen's standout performance, featuring 13 strikeouts over 6.2 innings, propelled the Diamondbacks to a win, showcasing their fiery pitching staff.

Offensively, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. hit his second home run of the season. The Yankees' batters struggled, including Aaron Judge and Jasson Dominguez, who each registered three strikeouts. As the teams face off, insights into betting odds and player stats provide a backdrop for analysis, with predictions leaning towards the Yankees on the moneyline and the Diamondbacks at +1.5 on the spread.

Arizona State University continues to dominate the MLB arena with seven alumni making the cut for Opening Day rosters, the highest for any Big 12 institution. Stars like Merrill Kelly of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Spencer Torkelson of the Detroit Tigers lead the pack. Torkelson, the top pick in the 2020 draft, has been performing well with a home run and multiple walks in just a couple of games. Kelly, on the other hand, recently secured his first win of the season, showcasing his strong pitching against the Chicago Cubs.

In addition to these two, ASU has alumni players such as Austin Barnes, Ryan Burr, Alec Marsh, Trevor Williams, and Gage Workman representing in the major leagues. The competition is tight, as the University of Arizona follows closely with five players and a manager in the league. Notably, all Big 12 programs are now represented in the major leagues, with the Cincinnati Reds leading the charge by fielding four Big 12 alumni.

Corbin Burnes may not make his debut as the Opening Day starter for the Arizona Diamondbacks, potentially pushing his first appearance until the team's road game against the New York Yankees. After his recent outing, Burnes confirmed he will have another spring training outing, which may set him up for a start on April 1. This could mean he would have an extra day of rest, but it's unclear how this will impact his regular-season schedule. Manager Torey Lovullo hinted at adjustments in the pitching rotation to accommodate Burnes' schedule.

The Diamondbacks also announced a five-year contract extension for right-hander Justin Martinez, valued at $18 million, with conditional options based on his injury history. With the team expected to finalize their roster soon, key decisions loom regarding the fifth starter and bullpen positions, with names like Brandon Pfaadt and Ryne Nelson in contention.

Day One of Spring Training is underway with the Arizona Diamondbacks eager to shake off last season's disappointment. Pitcher Merrill Kelly emphasized the team's focus on the upcoming season, stating that past achievements, like their World Series appearance, are behind them. The anticipation surrounding the addition of ace Corbin Burnes to the rotation has brought excitement, as Kelly believes it will allow other pitchers more flexibility in their roles.

Kelly reflected on his own recovery from injury, expressing gratitude for time spent with family during his recovery. He mentioned that he feels ready for Spring Training and that his arm is in good shape. As he approaches the latter stages of his career, Kelly cherishes each season's opportunity and recognizes the youthful energy of new teammates like Drey Jameson, who has been a source of motivation during recovery.

As Spring Training kicks off in Arizona, the Diamondbacks have secured right-handed ace Corbin Burnes with a staggering six-year, $210 million contract. This marks a significant milestone as Burnes, now a D-back, aims to build chemistry with his new teammates, especially with young catcher Gabriel Moreno. Burnes emphasized the importance of understanding each teammate's personality, which he believes will enhance their collective performance.

The seasoned pitcher is excited about this fresh start, particularly in developing bonds with fellow starters like Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, whose insights into the National League will be invaluable to him. Burnes is keen to share his experience with the younger members of the pitching staff while praising the team's potential.

Burnes expressed high hopes for the season, with the ultimate goal being to lead the D-backs to a World Series victory. He remains optimistic about contributing to the team's growth both on and off the field.