Worth noting

• Gibson was impressed by what he saw out of veteran pitcher Brandon McCarthy during Wednesday's simulated game.

"Breaking ball was excellent today," Gibson said. "I think he's more comfortable this year. He's another guy that I think you want to try to keep it simple. Convince him to keep it simple."

• The D-backs open Cactus League play next Wednesday against the Dodgers, but have not yet decided who will pitch.

• With so many players in camp, the D-backs have used coaches from their Minor League system to work with the big leaguers each day.

With early Minor League camp already in swing in the afternoons, it means the Minor League coaches have been pulling double duty.

"It's a long day for those guys," farm director Mike Bell said. "But you'd never know it, because they never complain."

• The D-backs are scheduled to work out from approximately 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. MT on Thursday. Fans wanting to attend can park in the Desert Parking Lot. There is no charge.