Arizona Diamondbacks: Zack Greinke questionable for opening day

Sidelined with a groin injury, Zack Greinke of the Arizona Diamondbacks will miss at least his next bullpen, and possibly more.

From a starting rotation set just earlier this week, decisions now abound for manager Torey Lovullo and other decision-makers of the Arizona Diamondbacks. That’s because right-hander Zack Greinke, who postulated as Arizona’s opening day pitcher, is now on the bubble.

After suffering from a groin injury to his right side Wednesday in a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Salt River, Greinke remains under the detailed microscopic attention of the medical staff.

With less than two weeks until opening day, this much is certain. Greinke will miss at least his next bullpen, and that leaves Lovullo and staff scrambling for Plan B.

Should Greinke experience just a minor setback, that would mean the veteran right-hander, to adequately prepare for his opening day start on March 29, would have to be extended at least five innings and somewhere around 70 pitches. At this point, that seems unlikely.

To address a level of concern. Lovullo told Call to the Pen before Thursday’s game with the Cubs in Mesa that Greinke threw on Thursday, but the Diamondbacks remain cautious.

"“We’ll continue to walk through this with (Greinke’s) feedback,” he said. “Based on the information, we’ll see what’s the next part of this whole process based on the information he’s gives us.”"

Going forward, the Diamondbacks will push Greinke back at least one bullpen session. Still, Lovullo made it clear to Call to the Pen that this entire scenario remains fluid.

"“We still have not made that decision,” said Lovullo in reference to Greinke losing his next turn. “We’ll still going through a set of options. It’s a little bit premature right now. Once we get some of that information, we’ll let you know. It’s a natural progression and goes from bullpen to starting.”"

Lovullo gave credit to Greinke for “catching this in time,” and the medical staff began immediate evaluation of the injury. Treatment followed in a post-haste manner. Lovullo told Call to the Pen that the medical staff indicated the injury, “is minimal,” but the additional evaluation will follow.

Should Lovullo not hand the ball to Greinke on March 29, there is a substantial likelihood that lefty Robbie Ray would get the nod. After tossing five strong innings against the Cubs on Thursday, Ray told Call to the Pen he feels strong and needs about one more start in spring games to pronounce himself ready for the season.

At the same time, Ray rejected the notion he could be Arizona’s opening day starter.

"“I’m just going about my business and work hard every day, honestly,” Ray told Call to the Pen after his outing against the Cubs. “Just trying to build my arm strength up and get ready for the season. What falls into place, happens. It’s not a decision that I make and I’m not really going to worry about it.”"

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From a medical standpoint, a groin injury can linger. Now, the Diamondbacks medical staff is assessing the severity of the strain. Even a mild strain can take up the five days before strengthening exercises can begin. If that’s the case with Greinke, then his opening day start is clearly in jeopardy.

On the diamond …

Back-to-back homers in the ninth inning from pinch-hitter Ramon Flores and Christian Walker carried the Diamondbacks to a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs in Mesa. The game drew 15,829, the second largest crowd in the history of the Cactus League.

After starter Robbie Ray surrendered a two-homer to Jason Heyward with two-out in the second, the bullpen of Neftali Feliz, Andrew Chafin, Brad Boxberger and Antonio Bastardo limited the Cubs to one hit over the final four innings.

Shortstop Nick Ahmed, hitting .320 this spring, drove in the first Arizona run with a third-inning double down the, left field line.

Next: With two weeks to go, NL West notebook

On Friday, the Diamondbacks face the Los Angeles Dodgers at Salt River. Right-hander Matt Koch gets the start for Arizona, and the Dodgers will counter with right-hander Walker Buehler.