SCOTTSDALE — Arizona Diamondbacks right-handed pitcher Drey Jameson took the mound for his initial spring training outing on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, facing challenges early in his performance. This appearance highlighted both his ongoing recovery and efforts to reclaim a defined role with the team during the lead-up to the regular season.
Jameson entered the game in the second inning following a scoreless performance by Zac Gallen. However, his start was rocky as he allowed a double before recording two outs via a strikeout and a lineout. The Dodgers capitalized on further opportunities when Jameson issued a walk, followed by an RBI single from Noah Miller on a changeup pitch. Despite two runs crossing the plate, only one was earned due to a fielding error by right fielder Druw Jones.
Pitching Details and Performance Analysis
Jameson’s outing concluded after 24 pitches, ending on a three-pitch strikeout of Hyeseong Kim using a backdoor slider. Throughout his time on the mound, he demonstrated solid control with 15 strikes, benefiting from his four-seam fastball that reportedly reached speeds up to 98 mph. However, his changeup remains an area for improvement, as the two hits he allowed were generated from that pitch.
Reflecting on his performance, Jameson acknowledged the early-season timing and his tendency to be critical of himself.
“After an outing today, even though it’s February something, it’s super early, I probably beat myself up on it a little bit,”
Jameson said.
“But as I mature and I understand that I’m not going out there trying to throw it as hard as I can every single pitch, and really zoning in on my body and realizing that I have time until Opening Day or wherever I end up to really zone in my stuff and not go full throttle (on) February something.”
Jameson emphasized that his primary focus is not on his fastball velocity but on refining the changeup’s speed variation.
“The main focus for me, necessarily, isn’t the heater,”
he explained.
“I would say it’s getting that changeup with the speed difference to get back to a 7-10 mph speed change. Today, I think it was probably up there.”
Health Concerns and Career Outlook
Recovering from Tommy John surgery in 2023, Jameson missed substantial playing time last season due to elbow discomfort, influencing his approach this spring. His goal is to secure a role with the Diamondbacks as they prepare for Opening Day, but maintaining his health remains his top priority throughout this period.
Jameson has shown capability as both a starter and reliever at the major league level, boasting a 2.65 career ERA over 68 innings pitched. Nevertheless, these recent injury setbacks shifted his focus during spring training away from specific roster placement to ensuring his physical readiness.
“I like to try to take control of the things that are in my control,”
Jameson said.
“My control is to do stuff on the field and do stuff even in the backfields and your work that you put in every single day to be ready for that moment if your name’s called.”
Implications for the Diamondbacks’ Upcoming Season
Jameson’s progression during spring training holds significance for Arizona’s pitching depth heading into the new season, especially as fellow pitchers like Merrill Kelly have been ruled out for Opening Day against the Dodgers. His ability to bounce back from surgery and regain consistent command could provide the Diamondbacks with valuable flexibility in their rotation or bullpen options.
As the team contends with various health concerns, Jameson’s ongoing efforts to fine-tune his pitching arsenal while managing his recovery will be closely monitored by the coaching staff. His eventual role may depend on how effectively he balances performance with durability in the weeks leading up to the season opener.
