Zac Gallen's final tune-up before Opening Day was a success as he pitched 4 ⅓ innings, allowing just one run and striking out two in a decisive 11-3 victory over the Athletics. Gallen, officially announced as the Opening Day starter, threw 73 pitches and is likely to have one or two bullpen sessions before the season begins.

The competition for a bench spot heated up with standout performances from Garrett Hampson and Ildemaro Vargas. Vargas went 4-for-4 with four runs and an RBI, while Hampson contributed with two hits and three runs, raising his spring batting average to .270. Both players showcased their skills, making the bench decision more complex.

The designated hitter duo, Randal Grichuk and Pavin Smith, combined for six RBIs, with Smith driving in four. As the season approaches, the Diamondbacks are showing promise, but the final roster decisions loom large.

Blake Walston, a promising left-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, will undergo Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for the entire 2024 season. Manager Torey Lovullo expressed disappointment over the injury but emphasized the importance of the long-term recovery process. Meanwhile, right-handed pitcher Kendall Graveman is set for an aggressive bullpen session to assess his back tightness.

Roster updates saw pitchers Tommy Henry and José Castillo reassigned to minor league camp, while infielder Grae Kessinger was optioned to Triple-A Reno. Lovullo acknowledged the tough decisions made regarding position players, alluding to the competitive nature of the Diamondbacks' roster. Garrett Hampson, a versatile player with substantial MLB experience, is expected to have increased opportunities as he adjusts to various positions including outfield and shortstop, providing depth in the lineup.

Garrett Hampson, a versatile 30-year-old utility player, has signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks, reuniting him with his hometown of Reno. The Reno Aces, the Diamondbacks' Triple-A affiliate, announced the deal, expressing excitement about Hampson's potential to contribute this season. A product of Reno High School, Hampson has spent seven seasons in the majors, primarily with the Colorado Rockies and most recently with the Kansas City Royals. He boasts a career total of 64 stolen bases and a .240 batting average, with his best offensive year being 2021, where he hit 11 home runs. The Diamondbacks have made several offseason moves, adding players like first baseman Josh Naylor and ace pitcher Corbin Burnes, while losing Gold Glove first baseman Christian Walker to the Houston Astros.

As the Diamondbacks prepare for Spring Training, which kicks off in less than two weeks, the Aces are eager to see if Hampson can earn a spot on their roster, enhancing their depth with his speed and flexibility in the field. The season begins for the Aces on March 28, just a day after Major League Opening Day.

Bobby Witt Jr. is a standout player for the Kansas City Royals, but his individual performance isn't enough to secure a World Series title. In 2024, the Royals faced a swift exit from the postseason, largely due to a lackluster bottom lineup that failed to support their star.

With Witt often coming to bat without runners on base, the Royals are exploring trade options for a leadoff hitter. The Cincinnati Reds may be a viable trade partner, with Jonathan India and Spencer Steer identified as potential targets to bolster the lineup.

Carlos Rodón is set to take the mound for the New York Yankees in the opening game of the American League Championship Series against the Cleveland Guardians. After a challenging season, Rodón finished with a 16-9 record and a 3.96 ERA over 172 innings.

Despite a rocky start to the season due to injuries, he showed resilience in his second year with the Yankees. However, he faced setbacks in the AL Division Series, where he struggled against the Kansas City Royals.