D-backs' Cahill, Skaggs have rough debuts
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Diamondbacks got a look at
the now and later of their rotation Wednesday at Salt River Fields and it
wasn't pretty, but it is, after all, just spring training.
Trevor Cahill made his Diamondbacks debut against the Indians to mixed results
while top prospect Tyler Skaggs followed with a rough outing that lasted less
than an inning.
Cahill, acquired in the offseason from Oakland and projected to be the D-backs'
third starter, threw 38 pitches over two innings and gave up three runs on four
hits, including two home runs. After a leadoff single, Cahill yielded a homer to
Cleveland second baseman Jason Kipnis. Indians right fielder Shin-soo Choo
followed with a solo shot.
"I've never done very well in my first couple spring training
outings," Cahill said. "It's just a matter of getting comfortable I
think. My arm felt good, so that's the biggest positive for the day.
"If I get to where I can throw all four pitches (on) both sides of the
plate by the end of spring, I think I'll be where I want to be."
The second inning brought much better results, as Cahill needed just 14 pitches
to retire the first three batters, including two strikeouts. It was evident
Cahill was working much quicker and the 24-year-old said the better inning was
a result of getting comfortable throwing to opposing hitters for the first time
this season.
There were also some nerves at play for Cahill as he made his first outing in a
D-backs uniform. He admitted afterward to being a little amped up for his initial
outing of the spring, something D-backs manager Kirk Gibson also noticed.
"I thought he was really hyped up early in the game," Gibson said.
"Second inning he threw the ball better, kind of getting it down and
letting it work a little bit."
Gibson opted against using the designated hitter Wednesday in hopes of getting
an at-bat for Cahill, who has spent his three-year career in the American
League. Cahill batted in the second inning and grounded out weakly, but Gibson
has liked the way Cahill looks with a bat.
All D-backs starters have been getting a little extra work in as hitters, but
Gibson has put a particular focus on Cahill given his one hit in 10 career
at-bats. His starts in particular have been pegged as games the D-backs won't
use a DH.
"It's just a matter of timing and getting some pitches," Cahill said.
"I feel like I've definitely got a good idea what I need to work on, what
I need to see and all that stuff. Hopefully I can make improvements."
Skaggs made his first start of the spring after being scratched previously with
shoulder tightness and struggled with command. The 20-year-old lefty walked
three of the first four batters he faced before giving up a grand slam to Jack
Hannahan. After a strikeout and another walk, Skaggs was pulled with a final
line of 2/3 innings pitched, four runs, one hit and four walks on 34 pitches.
While Skaggs felt fine physically Wednesday, he wasn't happy about the command
issues. He expressed frustration at losing his composure and walking the first
batter he faced in Choo.
"I thought I had him put away and I just kind of lost it," Skaggs
said. "Mechanics got out of whack. I let the game get to me instead of
just stepping off and kind of taking my time and letting the game come to me,
but it's something to learn off."
Like Cahill, Skaggs attributed some of his struggles to "first-game
jitters," and being a little too excited. Gibson said he could see that
too, as he watched Skaggs overthrow a few pitches while getting warmed up.
Adding to the nerves that come with the first outing of the spring is the
spotlight on Skaggs and fellow top pitching prospect Trevor Bauer. Both have
garnered plenty of attention this spring as the future of the D-backs rotation,
and Gibson said the circumstances this season may have got to Skaggs a bit
Wednesday.
"He was really pumped up," Gibson said. "You're a young kid, you
want to impress. Last year, when he came up, he just came up as a guy from the
minor leagues. I think in his mind there's a little more at stake this year. …
It adds pressure and pressure does interesting things to us all when we get in
those situations.
"He will be better, there's no question about it."
NOTES: The D-backs dropped their third consecutive Cactus League game, a
10-2 loss that saw them garner just four hits. They scored their only runs in
the second inning when third baseman Ryan Roberts drove in a run on a groundout
and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt doubled one across. … The D-backs have the
first of two scheduled days off Thursday before returning to action Friday
against the Mariners in Peoria, Ariz. … Bauer will start Friday instead of Josh
Collmenter, who was scratched with minor tightness in his right forearm. He
characterized the tightness as nothing serious and will throw a bullpen session
Friday instead, with hopes of being ready to start one of the D-backs’ split
squad games Wednesday. … Other D-backs pitchers available Friday include
Patrick Corbin, Wade Miley, J.J. Putz, Joe Paterson, Mike DeMark, Mike
Zagurski, Charles Brewer and Jason Lane. … Hoping to improve his starting
pitchers' prowess at the plate, Gibson added tee hitting to their workouts.
Gibson said the pitchers will hit off tees again Friday, but likely won't do so
every day.