Short hops

Outfielder Gerardo Parra and infielder John McDonald will likely be the only two players who will not take part in Friday's first full-squad workout.

Parra's flight was canceled, so he was not set to arrive until Thursday night. He'll need to take his physical at some point Friday before he's allowed on the field.

McDonald, meanwhile, had to return to the East Coast to take care of a family situation. He is expected back sometime over the weekend.

• General manager Kevin Towers likes what he's seen from his pitchers in their first couple of bullpen sessions.

"It looks like everyone's in good shape," Towers said. "Guys really worked hard in the offseason. When I look at 'pens, it's more just where they're at. You can tell who's been throwing and working, they're close to game ready and most of our guys seem ahead of schedule."

• The first four spots in the Arizona rotation are spoken for with Ian Kennedy, Trevor Cahill, Brandon McCarthy and Wade Miley. What order they will pitch in has yet to be determined.

"We'll see how the spring comes out and looking at matchups early this season," Towers said.

The D-backs open the season with three games at home against the Cardinals and then have a day off before going on the road for three games in Milwaukee.