Dbacks ref and notes

Arizona general manager Mike Hazen said Tuesday that Smith will stick to first base instead of playing multiple positions this season, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports. “We’ve never really given him a spot to sort of solidify himself defensively, Hazen said of Smith, who at times has been used as an outfielder. “We’ll be doing that this year.”

Entering camp, the Diamondbacks plan to platoon Smith (against right-handers) with Carlos Santana (against lefties). Implied in the general manager’s comments is the expectation that Smith will show improved defense, which would help him maintain the strongside platoon role. Smith recorded a .258/.362/.434 slash line with eight home runs and 28 RBI over 87 games and 287 plate appearances in 2025, the most playing time he’s had since 2021.

The Diamondbacks placed Saalfrank (shoulder) on the 60-day injured list Tuesday.

A spot on the 40-man roster was needed for the addition of Carlos Santana. Saalfrank will miss the entire 2026 season after undergoing surgery Monday to repair the left labrum in his shoulder. It’s unclear whether he will be ready for the beginning of the 2027 campaign.

Ginkel (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Tuesday, Alex D’Agostino of SI.com reports.

Ginkel missed most of the final two months of the 2025 regular season with a right shoulder sprain, but it appears he’s come to camp without restrictions given that he’s throwing off a mound on the first day pitchers and catchers reported to spring training. The veteran reliever is among those who should be in the mix to serve as closer as part of an unsettled Diamondbacks bullpen. Ginkel was limited to 29 appearances due to injury in 2025, finishing with a 7.36 ERA and 29:13 K:BB over 25.2 innings. From 2023-2024, Ginkel held a 2.86 ERA and 147:38 K:BB across 135.1 regular-season frames.

Puk (elbow) said Tuesday that he expects to be ready for his season debut before July, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Puk had an internal brace procedure last June rather than a full Tommy John repair of his UCL injury. The less invasive surgery gives him a chance at a quicker return, so a season debut before the All-Star break is possible. The left-hander expects to be cleared to throw off a mound by the end of March, and a clearer picture of his timetable could be available around that time. Puk will have a good shot to assume the closer role in Arizona when he does return, as the Diamondbacks bullpen lacks established options.

Burnes (elbow) expects to throw off a mound by the end of spring training, Jack Sommers of SI.com reports.

Burnes also reiterated his goal of making his season debut around the All-Star break. The veteran right-hander is working his way back from Tommy John surgery, which he had last June. A midseason return would appear to be a best-case scenario for Burnes, who is entering the second year of a six-year, $210 million contract.