The Arizona Diamondbacks are making a pivotal decision in their pitching rotation, opting to award the final spot to Brandon Pfaadt over Jordan Montgomery. Montgomery, who struggled in the previous season and hasn't shown promise during spring training, will be relegated to a long relief role despite his high salary of $22.5 million. This decision reflects the team's ambition to improve after narrowly missing the postseason last year.

The D-backs' manager, Torey Lovullo, expressed the weight of last season's disappointments in the decision-making process. The team is actively engaging in trade discussions regarding Montgomery, asking potential suitors to absorb a significant portion of his salary. Lovullo remains optimistic about Montgomery's potential, believing that he is still finding his form after an injury setback. However, the management is prioritizing immediate performance over long-term considerations, recognizing the risks of having Montgomery start in a tight playoff race.