Notes: Spring opener mindset; Vogt is back

February 26th, 2021

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The first few days of full-squad workouts, there is always some excitement from players about being back on the field.

But now that the D-backs have gone through four days of it, their attention is starting to turn to Sunday's Cactus League opener against the Rockies at Salt River Fields.

"It's all very natural for these guys to be excited for the first day of spring and our first spring game," D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said. "I'm sure there's going be some excitement for game one. I know that the guys are talking about it."

You can expect Lovullo to remind his players that Sunday is only the beginning and not the destination.

"We've got to let them know that day one, game one, of Spring Training doesn't mean game one of a regular season," Lovullo said. "That's our focus, and we'll get there."

Lovullo has not finalized a lineup yet, nor has he announced who will be pitching, as he likes to wait until closer to the game to make that information public.

But at least early on, don't expect to see all the regulars in the starting lineup at the same time. Instead, as players begin to work up from three- or five-inning stints, Lovullo will have a mix of regulars and reserves in the starting lineups.

Vogt is back
After missing the beginning of camp following a positive COVID-19 test during the intake process, veteran catcher was in camp Thursday.

"It was really good to get out here today and get back out with the guys," Vogt said. "Been a long, long 10 days knowing these guys have been out here and me being at home, so I was just really, really happy. I felt great. It was good to be outside and be moving around again and being able to compete and work with the guys."

Vogt still is not sure how he contracted the virus, as he said he and his family had been very vigilant since last spring, but he was relieved that they all had relatively minor cases.

"We only experienced some mild allergy/cold symptoms, so we're very, very thankful and fortunate for that," he said. "The [sense of] smell and taste is hit or miss. It's kind of goes in and out from day to day, so that that is a really weird phenomenon with it. Energy-wise, it was different, but all in all, we were so fortunate to have a mild case with it."

Heller added
The D-backs signed right-hander to a Minor League contract, and he will be a non-roster invitee in Major League camp.

Heller, 29, was designated for assignment by the Yankees this month. He appeared in six games for New York last year and had a 3.00 ERA.

Eating lobster
Last year during batting practice, infielder Eduardo Escobar would yell out, "Early and often!" when Kole Calhoun was hitting.

This spring, Escobar yells "Lobster!" when Calhoun hits.

So, what gives?

Calhoun said he thought last year that Escobar was yelling, "Eating lobster!" instead of "Early and often."

"I told him that and now I'm the lobster, I guess," Calhoun said, laughing. "I have the red hair too, I guess. It just fits perfect."