D-backs holding out to make final roster decisions

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The D-backs will likely take their final roster decisions down to the wire following Saturday's final exhibition game at Chase Field.

The only roster move the team announced Thursday was the reassignment of prospect Archie Bradley to Minor League camp. Past that, manager Kirk Gibson was playing his cards close to the vest.

In fact, Gibson did not say that Bradley's demotion meant that Randall Delgado was the No. 5 starter, despite the fact that general manager Kevin Towers said last week that the battle for that spot was likely down to those two.

"He's still in camp," Gibson said of Delgado. "Bo Schultz is still in camp as well. [Josh] Collmenter's still in camp. There's still guys in the mix."

The D-backs have to decide between Chris Owings and Didi Gregorius for the starting shortstop job, as well as whether Henry Blanco or Tuffy Gosewisch will be the backup catcher.

It's possible the D-backs could carry both Owings and Gregorius while outfielder Cody Ross opens the year on the disabled list.

Gibson also raised the possibility Thursday that the D-backs could go with just one of those two and instead carry an extra reliever in place of Ross.

It does look like the D-backs will carry two lefties in the bullpen to start.

"I'd say we're leaning toward two," Gibson said. "I don't know if the final decision has been made."