Snake bites

• Tyler Skaggs will start the D-backs' Cactus League opener on Saturday against the Rockies. Patrick Corbin and Randall Delgado, the other two pitchers battling for the No. 5 spot in the rotation, will start the next two days.

Josh Collmenter, who figures to be the long man out of the bullpen, will start one of the team's split-squad games Tuesday. Brandon McCarthy will start Feb. 27, Ian Kennedy on Feb. 28, Trevor Cahill on March 1 and Miley March 2.

• Rain kept the D-backs off the field Wednesday. Hitters still got some swings in the covered batting cages while pitchers got in their bullpen sessions there as well.

Provided the weather improves Thursday, the team will have a situational simulated game. Rather than a traditional intrasquad game, Gibson wants to focus more on handling situations.

• Third baseman Martin Prado said his left hand was feeling much better Wednesday. Prado was hit by a pitch Monday during live batting practice.