The Arizona Diamondbacks are kicking off their spring training with many of their top players expected to take the field in the Cactus League opener against the Colorado Rockies this Friday. Manager Torey Lovullo is prioritizing getting his projected regular-season starters game experience early in preparation for the coming campaign and the upcoming challenges.
With twelve players on the Diamondbacks roster preparing to compete in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) in early March, Lovullo is expediting playing time to ensure readiness. This approach aims to balance their spring training routine while helping players sharpen their skills before international competition.
Manager Adjusts Lineup to Prepare for WBC Participation
Lovullo acknowledged that, under normal circumstances, some players wouldn’t appear in the initial games, but the WBC commitments require accelerated preparation.
“Normally they wouldn’t be, but I’m trying to fast forward this as much as possible because the entire infield is going to play in the WBC, so I want to get them on the field,”
Lovullo said Thursday. He specifically mentioned including outfielder Alek Thomas in the lineup to get ready for his role with Team Mexico.
“I wouldn’t be playing [Alek Thomas] in the outfield tomorrow, but I’m going to, so he can get ready for Team Mexico.”
Star Players Balancing WBC and MLB Aspirations
Several stars from the Diamondbacks’ clubhouse will represent their countries at the WBC before returning to pursue a championship run in the MLB. Third baseman Nolan Arenado is set to play for Puerto Rico, while a strong contingent of infielders—Carlos Santana, Geraldo Perdomo, and Ketel Marte—will represent the Dominican Republic. Santana, reflecting on the upcoming WBC, expressed both excitement and a desire to support teammates new to the tournament.
“I’m excited. I try to help, you know? This is the second time to Marte, the second time to Perdomo. Perdomo is excited for that,”
Santana said.
“He asked me too many questions for that and I say, ‘Hey, try to have fun!’ It’s to represent your country.”
Santana’s WBC experience is extensive, marking his third appearance with the Dominican Republic, including playing a crucial role as catcher on the 2013 championship team. The tournament, which started in 2006 and happens every four years, features elite MLB talent worldwide. Japan has been a dominant force recently, winning three of the last five tournaments, including besting the United States in 2023.
Corbin Carroll Faces Setback Ahead of WBC
All-Star outfielder Corbin Carroll will miss competing in the WBC for the United States after undergoing hand surgery on February 11. His recovery timeline is approximately six weeks, with hopes that he will be fit for Opening Day against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 26. Carroll expressed his disappointment about missing the WBC but tried to stay optimistic about the timing.
“Very disappointed. It was something I was really looking forward to. Spending time with such quality players and getting to represent the country obviously would’ve been one of the biggest honors of my career,”
Carroll said.
“Definitely bummed to miss it but, at the same time, I’m happy this [injury] isn’t happening midseason, and I miss a bunch of games.”
Broad Representation from Diamondbacks Players in WBC
Diamondbacks players are set to represent a diverse array of countries in the WBC, including Canada, Chinese Taipei, Great Britain, the Netherlands, and Venezuela. Among the team’s new acquisitions, pitcher Michael Soroka will join the Canadian squad. The Calgary native is enthusiastic about the growing level of competition in the tournament and the chance to face familiar faces on the international stage. Soroka noted,
“It’ll be a lot of fun to see them on the other side then get to play with them all year.”
He added,
“It kind of used to be a two-country competition between the States and the Dominican a little bit. Now Venezuela and Japan are bringing it to it. The Canadian team, I think we’re as strong as we’ve ever been, too.”
WBC Schedule and Upcoming Key Dates
Players will begin reporting for the WBC next weekend, with the international tournament commencing on March 5 at the Tokyo Dome. Other regional pools located in Houston, San Juan, and Miami are scheduled to start on March 6. The tournament culminates with the championship game in Miami on March 17, where the top teams will compete for the title.
