Taylor Widener made a strong case in support of his inclusion in the rotation on Tuesday, throwing 5.2 innings of two-run ball. Both runs allowed came off solo home runs. Widener also struck out seven. J.B. Bukauskas needed only 11 pitches (9 strikes) to record the save, allowing the rare hit and striking out one.
Arizona fans would likely be much more confident as the season finally starts if more of the pitchers being looked to in order to provide starts had been able to turn in a performance or two like this one.
New faces, key injuries, and new expectations abound as Opening Day can finally be seen creeping up on the horizon.