Top D-backs prospect Bradley applauds Arroyo signing

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- You might think that top prospect Archie Bradley was disappointed when he heard the D-backs signed free-agent pitcher Bronson Arroyo.

After all, that seems to ensure Bradley will begin the 2014 season in the Minors rather than as the club's No. 5 starter.

Bradley, however, took the news in stride.

"I knew it was coming, kind of," he said. "There was talk about us signing a pitcher the whole time, but honestly as cliché as it sounds it really didn't bother me that much. I think if you look at what Bronson brings to this club he makes us better."

D-backs general manager Kevin Towers said Sunday that despite the fact that it looks as if the Opening Day rotation will include Patrick Corbin, Arroyo, Trevor Cahill, Brandon McCarthy and Wade Miley, it is not accurate to rule out Bradley from working his way in.

"It's a long spring and there's a lot that can happen," Bradley said. "But I'm young and I have a lot of time left in front of me and I'm just going to keep preparing, keep learning and just kind of prepare myself for whether it's day one or down the road and they call me and say, 'Let's go.'

"I've said all along my goal wasn't to win a spot, it was to come in and compete and put pressure on this organization to kind of show them the strides I've made and where I've improved and it's still the same thing."