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There was a time when the D-backs did not like the idea of using an “opener” to start a game. An opener is when a relief pitcher starts the game and either goes one inning or through a batting order once before turning things over to another pitcher who will pitch innings like a starter.

Out of necessity, though, the D-backs have used an opener five times this year, and with success. Joe Mantiply has done it twice and José Ruiz, Scott McGough and Kyle Nelson have done it once.

“It hasn’t always been, like, our first plan of attack,” D-backs GM Mike Hazen said. “But now that guys have kind of come out and done some of this stuff, I think we’re kind [of] building on that momentum and have more confidence in it.”

The most recent time the D-backs used an opener was Monday against the Rangers. It was rookie Slade Cecconi’s turn in the rotation, but Mantiply got the starting nod. Part of the reason was the Rangers had two of their best hitters, lefties Corey Seager and Nathaniel Lowe, hitting second and third in the order, so having the southpaw Mantiply face them created favorable matchups for the D-backs.

After Mantiply faced both lefties, Arizona manager Torey Lovullo went with the right-handed McGough to get the final out of the first and get through the second because he didn’t want to turn an inning over to Cecconi with runners on base.

Cecconi then came in and allowed one run over five innings.

“I think sometimes [rookies] coming out in the middle to the bottom of the order is beneficial for those guys,” Hazen said. “I think one of the hardest things to do is have a rookie pitcher start games just because I think the mentality is like the game is on your shoulders.”

The D-backs have been forced into this situation because of injuries to Tommy Henry and Zach Davies, as well as the decision to demote starter Ryne Nelson to Triple-A Reno.

Davies is scheduled to rejoin the rotation Saturday and Nelson figures to return at some point, but until then, don’t be surprised to see more openers.

“We know that area of our team is inexperienced, and we’ve taken on a couple of tough injuries,” Hazen said. “So we feel like for the next 40 days we're going to have to be creative with how we use those spots.”