The D-backs’ rotation was an area of pre-season concern, with the lack of depth a problem many felt might be an issue. It wasn’t long before it was tested. In the 14th game of the season, Taijuan Walker made his final start, his elbow requiring Tommy John surgery. Matt Koch stepped in, but it was when Robbie Ray hit the DL with an oblique strain at the end of April that the flailing began. The team signed Clay Buchholz on May 4, after the pitcher exercised the opt-out clause in his minor-league deal with the Royals.
Preview, #117: 8/10 @ Reds
