Notes: Bumgarner 'ready'; Mike Bell mourned

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The next time Madison Bumgarner faces a hitter, it will be during the regular season.

The left-hander finished his spring Friday by allowing six runs on four hits and three walks while striking out seven over 5 1/3 innings in the D-backs' 7-3 loss to the Reds at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick.

"I feel ready for the season," Bumgarner said. "You know, I was glad to get up and down six times. Made some pretty good pitches today. So yeah, I feel pretty good about it."

The key for Bumgarner was to pitch into the sixth inning and get his pitch count up to 85. That puts him in line to throw 100 pitches if need be in his first regular-season start.

That should come on Opening Day on Thursday against the Padres in San Diego. But manager Torey Lovullo has declined to announce a starter for that day, preferring to wait until Sunday to do so.

• D-backs' depth will be tested early

Bumgarner said he expects to throw "just a bullpen or two, just normal between-starts stuff" before the regular season.

While Bumgarner recently worked on quick pitching and a more sidearm delivery during a game on a back field, he did not break out the quick pitch Friday. He did throw a sidearm pitch to opposing pitcher Wade Miley.

D-backs mourn Mike Bell's passing
It was a tough morning for the D-backs' front-office personnel as word of the passing of Mike Bell made its way around camp.

Bell worked in Arizona's player development department for 13 years and was the D-backs' farm director for nine before leaving prior to last season to become the Twins' bench coach.

“Mike was truly beloved by everyone who knew him -- from coaches and players to colleagues and staff in Arizona and throughout our Minor League system," the D-backs said in statement. "His loss leaves a huge hole in our hearts but his impact cannot be overstated and his legacy will not be forgotten. Mike brought authenticity and positive energy to every interaction he had, both on and off the field, and he was a true leader in the game of baseball that has embraced his family for three generations. Our deepest condolences are with [his wife] Kelly, his children, Luke, Mikayla and Madeline, and the entire Bell family.”

Bell -- the son of former big leaguer Buddy, the grandson of former Major Leaguer Gus and the brother of Reds manager David -- was an original Expansion Draft pick by the D-backs in 1997. He went on to serve as a Minor League manager, field coordinator, farm director and vice president of player development over his time in Arizona.

"Mike was a special human being," Lovullo said. "His DNA is all over this organization and will be forever. It was tough to get through the day, the game, the afternoon, and we're trying to find strength in one another."

Clarke in sim game
Taylor Clarke threw five innings and 75 pitches in a simulated game on a back field Friday morning.

Clarke has put together a very good spring, with a 2.25 ERA in 12 innings, and he is a leading candidate to replace the injured Zac Gallen in the rotation to start the season. If the right-hander doesn't win that spot, he all but certainly will start the year as one of the D-backs' relievers.

Clarke has "sharpened up his breaking ball" this spring, Lovullo said, and has been aggressive with his fastball.

Which role Clarke will fill will be one of the topics of conversation between Lovullo and his staff in the coming days.

"We love what he offers," Lovullo said. "And there's so much flexibility, so we'll figure out the best spot for him and move forward."

Up next
The D-backs are off Saturday before resuming action Sunday afternoon against the White Sox at Camelback Ranch-Glendale in Phoenix.