Delgado excited to earn rotation spot

PHOENIX -- Randall Delgado's preference all along was to be in the starting rotation, so when the D-backs right-hander was told he would be the No. 5 starter, he smiled.

"It was good," he said. "I was very happy, and it was a little bit of encouragement to try to be better and work hard and help the team."

Delgado's first start will come Friday afternoon against the Rockies at Coors Field.

Delgado was in the conversation for the No. 5 role when Spring Training opened, but seemed ticketed for the bullpen after the D-backs signed free agent Bronson Arroyo a few days into camp. 

But when Patrick Corbin hurt his elbow and underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery, the door reopened for Delgado. 

"I was trying to be ready for whatever happened," Delgado said. "I've been a starter so I'm not afraid. That's what I like to do."