In order for the AZ Diamondbacks to remain competitive, the starters will have to find a way to go deeper into games. Aside from hard luck Chase Anderson, the starting rotation has performed poorly and they are continually inconsistent. Short starts, game after game, have led to a worn-out bullpen. The starting rotations’ ERA is 29th out of the 30 teams, with an ERA close to 5.00. They also are ranked 26th, with 45 home runs given up, and they have given up the most earned runs. Other than Chase Anderson and Robbie Ray, who has only pitched in 3 games so far this season, the remaining starters’ combined ERA is over 5.00.

The Diamondbacks will need to make some decisions regarding their starting staff very soon. It may be time for Josh Collmenter to return to the long relief role. Rubby De La Rosa, who remains inconsistent, should be sent to the bullpen. Jeremy Hellickson, who looked good in his past three starts, took a step back in the game against the Dodgers, so the front office will need to consider what future role he will play. Archie Bradley, who started the season well, has not been able to come back from his injury to the face and was recently placed on the DL with a shoulder strain. A decision will have to be made when Bradley returns; will he be sent to the minors; leaving Robbie Ray in the starting rotation?

Ray pitched well Tuesday night in a 3-1 loss to the Dodgers and has thrown well in his three starts. He gives this team hope that they may found a talented hard-throwing left-hander. Ray was acquired in a three-team trade that sent Didi Gregorious to New York back in December. He is just 23 years old, but has a power arm with a fastball in the mid-to-upper 90s and he consistently throws three different pitches. His changeup is his second best pitch and he did work in Spring Training and at AAA Reno on his breaking ball.

Ray has always been able to strike people out in the minors, but he's also shown a lack of control. Big walk totals have been a problem for him since he turned professional and that will be his biggest hurdle as a Diamondbacks starter. He has always been a good prospect, but with the way he has been throwing, he could be ready to prove that he's a good major league pitcher that can be counted on every fifth day.

The team could move Randall Delgado to the starting rotation, but he seems to have found his groove coming out of the bullpen. Daniel Hudson, who did make one start, could be an option as it looks like his arm strength has returned.

Going forward, let’s hope the Diamondbacks find a quick solution to their starting rotation and that leads to a little bit of rest for the bullpen.

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