Dbacks notes from Camp SRF

Jameson (elbow) said that he will throw a bullpen session Wednesday, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Jameson missed the entire 2024 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in September 2023. Though he had been able to throw off a mound by July of last season, Jameson is presumably doing so with more velocity and better command this spring now that he’s further removed from the elbow procedure. The Diamondbacks could still ease Jameson along more slowly in spring training than their other healthy pitchers, but the 27-year-old right-hander said that there’s “no question” he’ll ready for Opening Day. If Jameson clinches a spot on the season-opening roster, he’ll likely be used in lower-leverage situations initially, but he could quickly move up the pecking order in an Arizona bullpen that looks relatively unsettled.

Thomas enters spring training listed second on Arizona’s depth chart in center field.

Jake McCarthy, who was in Thomas’ shoes at the start of camp in 2024, is listed as the starting center fielder and deserves to be. Thomas suffered through an injury marred season and barely hit when healthy (.603 OPS). Meanwhile, McCarthy was a competent fill-in during the first half and eventually exploded in July/August (.878 OPS). The Diamondbacks don’t lose much in the way of defense with McCarthy — though Thomas is clearly the best outfield defender on the team — and the former’s bat has been an asset in addition to his work on the basepaths (74 steals from 2022 to 2024). Thomas hit the ball hard last year, but a lot of it was on the ground. If the 24-year-old shows improvement at the plate during spring training, that could force a decision for manager Torey Lovullo.

Curtiss signed a minor-league contract with the Diamondbacks on Tuesday that includes an invitation to spring training.

Most of Curtiss’ time last season was spent at Triple-A Albuquerque, where he turned in a 3.96 ERA and 1.32 WHIP over 50 regular-season frames. However, his recent performance in the majors hasn’t been as successful, as he’s surrendered 14 earned runs in 22 regular-season innings since 2023. He’ll have an opportunity to earn a spot at the end of Arizona’s bullpen during spring training, but chances are he reports to Triple-A Reno to begin the 2025 campaign.

McGough signed a minor-league contract with the Diamondbacks on Tuesday that includes an invitation to spring training.

The Diamondbacks declined their half of McGough’s $4 million mutual option earlier in the offseason, but they will ultimately retain the righty’s services on a minor-league deal. The 35-year-old reliever struggled mightily in the big leagues last season, posting a 7.44 ERA and 1.68 WHIP across 32.2 innings. Barring a drastic turnaround in spring training, he’ll likely fill in as bullpen depth for Triple-A Reno.

The Diamondbacks signed Mancini to a minor-league contract Friday that includes an invitation to spring training, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Mancini didn’t play in 2024 after opting out of his minor-league deal with the Marlins, but he will now attempt to win a spot on Arizona’s Opening Day roster. The Diamondbacks could use a right-handed bat to balance their lineup, but Mancini joins a crowd competing for bench spots either at corner outfield or first base. Slated to turn 33 in March, Mancini slashed only .234/.299/.336 with four home runs over 79 games for the Cubs in 2023.