Latest D-backs Opening Day roster projections

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Before camp opened we took a stab at predicting the 25-man Opening Day roster for the D-backs, with the caveat that things change quickly and picking a roster before camp even begins is nearly impossible.

With a little more than three weeks to go before the D-backs open the 2019 regular season against the Dodgers, let’s take another look at who you might see standing on the right-field foul line when the lineups are announced at Dodger Stadium:

Catcher (3): Carson Kelly, Alex Avila, John Ryan Murphy

What changed? A couple of things to note here. The D-backs seem even more certain that they will carry three catchers, and veteran Caleb Joseph was signed on the first day of camp. Joseph is likely the odd man out in the quartet because he has Minor League options.

First base (2): Jake Lamb, Christian Walker

What changed? I’m adding Walker to the mix because he is out of Minor League options, the team really likes his bat off the bench and he could get some starts against tough left-handers.

Second base (1): Wilmer Flores

What changed? Nothing. With Ketel Marte moving to center the position belongs to Flores.

Third base (1): Eduardo Escobar

What changed? Nothing. Escobar's flexibility allows him to also play second or possibly even first base if needed.

Shortstop (1): Nick Ahmed

What changed? Nothing as far as who will start here, but it has become clear that Marte will be their primary backup, moving from center to short on days Ahmed is not in the lineup.

Outfield (5): David Peralta, Ketel Marte, Steven Souza Jr., Jarrod Dyson and Socrates Brito

What changed? A left oblique injury to Dyson. The team says he should be ready to go by Opening Day, but we won’t know that for another week or so when he starts playing again. If Dyson starts the year on the injured list, it could open the door for veteran non-roster invite Matt Szczur.

Utility (0)

What changed? With the team seemingly comfortable with Marte being the backup shortstop and the belief it would lose the out-of-options Brito, it looks like the D-backs won’t carry a true backup infielder and instead could go with Walker.

Starting pitcher (5): Zack Greinke, Robbie Ray, Zack Godley, Luke Weaver, Merrill Kelly

What changed? Nothing so far. Barring injury this is probably the rotation.

Relief pitcher (7): Archie Bradley, Yoshihisa Hirano, Greg Holland, Andrew Chafin, Matt Koch, Nick Green and Yoan Lopez.

What changed? T.J. McFarland has been shut down for five to seven days with left shoulder inflammation. Heading into camp he was one of five pitchers who seemed to have a spot locked up with fierce competition for the final two spots. While he could still be ready for Opening Day, we decided to leave him off this version. That opens the door for the team to carry Matt Koch, who is out of options, as the long man. We took out Marc Rzepczynski and added Rule 5 Draft pick Nick Green, who has been impressive early on. The final couple of spots are still likely to go down to the wire with plenty of candidates, like Robby Scott, still in the mix.

Here's the breakdown for Round 2 of the MLB.com 25-man roster projections:

CATCHERS

Carson Kelly

Alex Avila

John Ryan Murphy

INFIELDERS

Jake Lamb

Wilmer Flores

Nick Ahmed

Eduardo Escobar

Christian Walker

OUTFIELDERS

David Peralta

Ketel Marte

Steven Souza Jr.

Jarrod Dyson

Socrates Brito

UTILITY PLAYERS

None

STARTING PITCHERS

Zack Greinke

Robbie Ray

Zack Godley

Luke Weaver

Merrill Kelly

RELIEF PITCHERS

Archie Bradley

Yoshihisa Hirano

Greg Holland

Andrew Chafin

Matt Koch

Nick Green

Yoan Lopez

INJURED LIST

Taijuan Walker

T.J. McFarland