This article is part of our Spring Training Job Battles series.
Spring training games are about to kick off, which should hopefully bring some clarity to a number of job battles around the league. This article will break down at least one competition worth paying attention to from every team in the league. As most of the players worth taking in shallower leagues have clear starting roles, this piece is geared more toward deeper leagues where nearly everyone with playing time is worth rostering. There should be something here for everybody, however, especially with such a large number of open closer positions around the league.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Rotation
Zac Gallen is locked in atop the Diamondbacks' rotation, and Madison Bumgarner's career resume locks him in as well despite his 2020 struggles. Caleb Smith should also have little to fear. The battle for the team's final two spots is less clear, however. Luke Weaver is probably favored to win one of them, though he's coming off a season in which he posted a 6.58 ERA and 1.56 WHIP.
If Merrill Kelly demonstrates full health, this might not be a battle at all, but it's hard to be fully confident in him after he underwent thoracic outlet surgery in September. Take a quick glance at Matt Harvey's recent numbers if you want to see how that procedure can sometimes affect a pitcher's career. Kelly has far less room to regress than Harvey, as his 4.15 ERA in 37 career starts is fine but forgettable.
There aren't any convincing options behind him,
