This year saw the restrictions of the COVID pandemic began to be lifted as baseball season started. Fans were now being allowed in the ballpark but at a reduced capacity. The Diamondbacks struggled mightily in the pandemic shortened 60-game season that saw the team finish in the basement of the NL West. The Diamondbacks were able to win six of their final seven games to end the 2020 season but finished with a 25-35 record. For the 2021 season the team will again be managed by Torey Lovullo.
For the second straight season the Diamondbacks travelled to San Diego to meet the San Diego Padres at Petco Field to begin the season. It is the first time since 2005-2006 that they have faced the same opponent on Opening Day.
Left-handed pitcher Madison Bumgarner made his second 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 fifth Opening Day start this year again at Left Field. Ketel Marte made his fourth Opening Day start for the Diamondbacks this year playing center field. Christian Walker would make his third start as a Diamondback this time being back at first base after being the team's designated hitter last season. Eduardo Escobar made his third start for the Diamondbacks playing second base rather than third in years past.
The new Opening Day starters were Josh Rojas who started at shortstop for the first time for the Diamondbacks. Asdrubal Cabrera would start at third base, Stephen Vogt got the start behind the plate and Pavin Smith would make his first Opening Day start in right field.
For the 12th time in franchise history the Diamondbacks lost their season opener. The final score Diamondbacks 7 - Padres 8 in front of 8,773 fans.
2021 | ||
Order | Name | Position |
1. | Josh Rojas | SS |
2. | Ketel Marte | CF |
3. | Christian Walker | 1B |
4. | David Peralta | LF |
5. | Asdrubal Cabrera | 3B |
6. | Eduardo Escobar | 2B |
7. | Pavin Smith | RF |
8. | Stephen Vogt | C |
9. | Madison Bumgarner | P |
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