Roster hopeful Koch impresses in final bid

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The last week of Spring Training is all about having options and exposure, especially when it comes to the final few roster spots.

It usually comes down to a handful of guys, and finding the right fit can be crucial. Management, however, must also consider how many options a player has left before becoming exposed to the waiver wire if sent down to the Minors.

“That’s been the hardest part of these last couple of days,” D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said. “We know there are several guys who are competing that don’t have any option flexibility.”

Right-hander Matt Koch falls into that category, and he made another strong case to be on the Opening Day roster in a 10-4 win over the Dodgers on Friday at Camelback Ranch.

Koch's third spring start (fifth appearance) was solid, as he struck out six batters and allowed two runs over five-plus innings. Koch concluded Cactus League action with a 2-1 record and a 3.18 ERA over 17 innings. He’s almost assured of a bullpen spot after 14 starts and five relief appearances last season, going 5-5 with a 4.15 ERA.

If the 28-year-old Koch is sent down to Triple-A, he would be exposed to the 29 other teams. He knows the situation but does his best to take the mound only trying to pitch effectively.

“I try not to, but in the back of my mind I know,” Koch said. “I try not to think about it too much and add a little extra pressure. Spring has been pretty good for me so far, so we will see what happens.”

Lovullo said he's pleased with the way Koch addressed the idea of having to compete for a spot on the team.

"I have been extremely impressed by what he has done," Lovullo said. "You walk into camp knowing you are competing and told you have to earn the spot, and then you do things like this, it really stands out."

Other D-backs without any options remaining are right-handed reliever Silvino Bracho, outfielder Socrates Brito, right-handed starter Zack Godley, left-handed reliever T.J. McFarland, catcher John Ryan Murphy and first baseman/outfielder Christian Walker.

Bracho will miss the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, and McFarland is expected to start the year on the injured list after just coming back from shoulder inflammation.

There is a good chance there will be an odd man out among the five.

“There is a balance there,” Lovullo said. “You don’t want to lose players, that’s for sure. We have some really good players here. If you are willing to take those risks and move on from somebody that is out of options, then you have to make sure the person that is stepping in for them is ready to go.

“I’ll leave it at that. It’s part of our discussion. It’s active. I am not going to lie and say we don’t pay attention to it. We pay attention to who is going to be here and who won’t be here based on roster flexibility.”

Settling in
Adam Jones is starting to look like he’s getting comfortable in the batter’s box following a late start to Spring Training.

After going 0-for-6 in his first two games, the veteran outfielder knocked a leadoff homer and hit a two-run single in the second off Dodgers starter Dennis Santana. He finished the game with four RBIs after getting hit by a pitch in the sixth inning with the bases loaded.

“I finally feel like a D-back,” Jones said. “At first, it was kind of like a dream; just the new guy. Today, I was able to contribute. The body is feeling better, and I’m feeling good. Everything we have done on the timeline so far has been positive.”

Lovullo said he felt like it was important to get Jones about 30 at-bats before the season started. He is just about there when Minor League at-bats are included.

“I know he is going to have good results because I’ve watched him for so many years,” Lovullo said. “His timing and rhythm, the foot's down and the hands are back, and he’s zoned in on balls and strikes. That’s important for him right now. He needs some consistent reps and play some back-to-back games, but we still have to rest him and consider it’s still the early parts of Spring Training for him.”

Good old No. 11
Former D-backs center fielder A.J. Pollock, who signed a four-year, $55 million contract with the Dodgers this offseason after seven years in Arizona, started in center field and was slotted in the cleanup spot.

Pollock went 2-for-2 with a walk to boost his spring average to .319. He entered the game with three home runs, five RBIs and a .940 OPS.

Staying focused
It became clear that Matt Szczur’s chances of making the Opening Day roster as a veteran outfielder took a hit when Jones signed, and that became the case when he was optioned to Minor League camp on Friday.

Szczur has been around long enough to know he’ll likely get a chance with the big league club at some point. He has spent time in the big leagues since 2014 with the Cubs ('14-17) and Padres ('17-18).

“Everyone wants to compete,” Szczur said. “I’m here to compete and win, and I feel like that’s the same mentality everyone has.”

The D-backs also optioned catcher Caleb Joseph to Triple-A Reno and sent infielder Juniel Querecuto to Minor League camp.

Getting back to normal
Jarrod Dyson worked hard in the offseason after having his previous two seasons -- a right groin strain with the D-backs in 2018 and sports hernia surgery with the Mariners in '17 -- ended by an injury.

A strained oblique at the end of February slowed him this spring. Dyson feels like he is back to 100 percent and has time to get ready for Opening Day.

“It’s feels good to be me again,” Dyson said. “I worked really hard in the offseason to get back out there. It’s one of those things where I had a freak injury. I’m just trying to stay healthy. I’m hoping for the best and preparing for the worst.”

Up next
Robbie Ray faces the Giants at 1:05 p.m. PT on Saturday to close out his Cactus League. Ray has struck out 21 batters over 11 innings.