The Arizona Diamondbacks face the New York Yankees in a highly anticipated matchup featuring two talented pitchers. Zac Gallen, who struggled on Opening Day with a 9.00 ERA, will be looking to bounce back against Carlos Rodon, who has been impressive with a 1.69 ERA in his first start this season. Gallen previously pitched six scoreless innings at Yankee Stadium last September, but his recent form raises concerns. In contrast, Rodon’s slider was effective against the Brewers, racking up nine whiffs with a heavy usage rate. Both pitchers have shown potential, but their recent performances suggest a battle of wills on the mound.

Cody Bellinger has historically struggled against Gallen, batting only .050 with seven strikeouts in 20 at-bats, which might factor into the game strategy. Meanwhile, Rodon will aim to leverage his slider's success, hoping to neutralize the Diamondbacks' offense as he did previously against them last year. With both teams also planning their pitching rotations for upcoming games, the stakes are high for this encounter, setting the tone for the rest of the series.

The Diamondbacks have made a strategic decision regarding their starting rotation, placing new pitcher Corbin Burnes as the fifth starter to begin the season. Burnes, who has a reputation for sticking to a strict routine, felt he couldn't adjust quickly enough for an earlier starting role. Instead, he will make his debut against the Yankees on April 1, maintaining his typical five days of rest. Manager Torey Lovullo faced a tough choice between Burnes and Zac Gallen for Opening Day and admits he second-guessed his decision, resulting in what he termed a 'perfect storm'. Despite this adjustment, Burnes is set to make around 32 starts this season, a number consistent with his past performance.

Burnes attributes his success to a highly structured routine developed over the last few years, starting with a mental-performance coach after a challenging season in 2019. His meticulous planning extends to every detail, from offseason training to in-season pitching schedules. Since 2020, he boasts a stellar 2.88 ERA over more than 800 innings pitched, showcasing his ability to maintain performance through routine adherence. For Burnes, this structure not only aids his professional life but enhances his personal life as well.

The Chicago Cubs are witnessing the promising development of rookie center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, whose defensive prowess is matched by a significant offensive turnaround. After struggling early on with a .196 average, he finished the season strong, improving to .286 with an .801 OPS in his last 49 games. Manager Craig Counsell's patience proved crucial for Crow-Armstrong's growth. Meanwhile, rookie third baseman Matt Shaw faces similar challenges as he adjusts to major-league pitching, following a rocky start in the Tokyo Series. The Cubs are hopeful he will adapt quickly with the support of veteran teammates.

As the Cubs gear up for the new season, Crow-Armstrong’s stellar spring performance, highlighted by a .500 average, showcases his readiness. He remains focused on playing exceptional defense while deferring to Ian Happ in the leadoff role. The Cubs have added depth to their roster, and as they finalize their decisions, the spotlight will be on both Crow-Armstrong and Shaw to contribute to a potentially division-leading team.

The Arizona Diamondbacks, fresh off an impactful offseason, are poised to challenge the dominant Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West. The signing of Corbin Burnes to a six-year, $210 million deal has escalated the Diamondbacks' payroll to around $200 million, signaling their ambition. Despite this investment, they are still perceived as underdogs against a Dodgers team with a staggering payroll nearing $400 million, packed with superstars including three MVPs.

Diamondbacks players acknowledge the daunting task ahead, with outfielder Randal Grichuk noting the Dodgers' depth and star power. However, the Diamondbacks possess a balanced roster and significant pitching depth, bolstered by Burnes' addition. They recall their previous success against the odds, highlighting that unpredictability is a hallmark of baseball. The upcoming season promises to be a thrilling pursuit as the Diamondbacks aim to prove themselves against the established giants of their division.

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.