D-backs Minor Leaguers lead way vs. ASU

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- For the fourth year in a row, the D-backs opened their spring exhibition schedule with the Collegiate Baseball Series, where they take on one of Arizona's college teams.
Wednesday's opponent was Arizona State University, and the D-backs came away with an 8-2 win in seven innings at Salt River Fields.

The D-backs did not play any of their regulars in the game, because it came just two days after the team's first full-squad workout, and D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said his players weren't 100 percent ready for game action.
That gave a number of players from the team's Minor League system a chance to play.
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"The guys really grinded out at-bats and got what they needed out of the day," Lovullo said. "Everybody came through [healthy]. That was probably my biggest concern."
Sit down
Lovullo plans to follow the same plan he did last year in terms of getting his regulars plenty of rest during the regular season.
Whether they like it or not.
"We feel like it's very important to give players rest, and at times it's frustrating to the player," Lovullo said.
Lovullo felt like his philosophy paid dividends in September when the D-backs ran off 13 straight wins to all but lock up the top National League Wild Card.
"Our players were well-rested," Lovullo said. "They were strong, and you could see how that impacted the season for us. It was a very crucial time of the year when our guys were 100 percent and playing very fundamental, physical baseball."
The depth of the Arizona roster will give him the flexibility to do that. The addition of Jarrod Dyson gives Lovullo a backup at all three outfield positions.

In the infield, even with the trade of Brandon Drury, the D-backs have plenty of options with Nick Ahmed, Ketel Marte, Daniel Descalso and Chris Owings up the middle.
Being flexible
Speaking of Owings, it looks like he will need to keep multiple gloves on hand.
A shortstop by trade, Owings will see time there as well as second and third base and both corner outfield spots.

"He's going to walk all over the diamond and impact the game at a different angle at different times throughout the course of the season," Lovullo said of Owings.
That's nothing new to Owings, who played short, second, left and right during an injury-shortened 2017 season.
"He took it right in stride," Lovullo said. "We asked him to do a lot last year."
Up next: The D-backs will have a little shorter workout Thursday before departing for a team golfing event.
Arizona opens its Cactus League schedule Friday afternoon against the Rockies at Salt River Fields.