Makakilo: Yes. His debut showed his potential with 7 scoreless innings. His fastball averaged 95.1 MPH with an outstanding -5.0 run value per 100 pitches (RV/100). His changeup’s -7.0 RV/100 was outstanding. His slider had a 75% whiff rate. Data from Baseball Savant.
It bears noting that two previous Diamondback debuts with 6 scoreless innings (Archie Bradley and Zack Godley) failed to reach their expected level of success as a starter. Ryne Nelson will likely have more success than they did because of Brent Strom’s coaching and an improved Diamondbacks coaching system.
James: He will for a while, especially since the organization is taking its time with the pitching prospects and, for whatever reason, this front office seems incredibly reluctant to move starters to the bullpen before it is a season or two too late for there to be a reasonable payoff.