Like everything else in 2020, baseball season was different and not necessarily in a good way. The Diamondbacks saw a modest uptick from the previous year and looked like they might be ready to be a post season contender going forward. With a five game winning streak to end the 2019 season the team ended with a 85-77 record. For the fourth season the team would be managed by Torey Lovullo.
After a lengthy hiatos due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an abbreviated schedule was devised. On July 24, 2020 the Diamondbacks travelled to San Diego to meet the San Diego Padres at Petco Field in San Diego CA.
Left-handed pitcher Madison Bumgarner would make his first Opening Day start with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Opening Day line-up featured five changes from the previous season and two position changes.
David Peralta would get his fourth Opening Day start this year again at Left Field. Nick Ahmed would start at shortstop for the fifth time where he has been the best in the National League over the last year. Ketel Marte made his third Opening Day start for the Diamondbacks this year playing second base. Christian Walker would make his second start as a Diamondback this time being the Designated Hitter which is now being used across all of baseball for the first time.
The new Opening Day starters were Starling Marte who started at center field for the first time for the Diamondbacks. Cole Calhoun would start at right field, Carson Kelly would get his first Opening Day start behind the plate and Madison Bumgarner would get the start pitching.
For the 11th time in franchise history the Diamondbacks lost their season opener. The final score Diamondbacks 2 - Padres 7 in front of an empty stadium due to health protocols from the pandemic.
2020 | ||
Order | Name | Position |
1. | Ketel Marte | 2B |
2. | David Peralta | LF |
3. | Starling Marte | CF |
4. | Eduardo Escobar | 3B |
5. | Christian Walker | DH |
6. | Cole Calhoun | RF |
7. | Carson Kelly | C |
8. | Jake Lamb | 1B |
9. | Nick Ahmed | SS |
P. | Madison Bumgarner | P |
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