SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Diamondbacks starter Joe Saunders made his first start of the spring Tuesday at Salt River Fields, and though the results left something to be desired, he felt much better than this time a year ago.
Saunders threw 35 pitches over two innings of work against the Texas Rangers, allowing two runs on five hits and a walk in the 16-3 D-backs loss. Former D-back Conor Jackson homered off Saunders in the second inning.
"It felt good to get out there for the first time," Saunders said. "I gave up the home run … but it feels good. I like where I'm at.
"My off-speed stuff was good today. It was just a matter of really just trying to locate the fastball. … If that can come along, I'm right where I need to be."
Last spring Saunders dealt with neck and back issues while going 1-3 with a 12.46 ERA. The rough spring carried over to the early part of the season, but Saunders turned things around to win 12 games and throw a career high 212 innings.
This spring, Saunders is in better shape and having an easier time preparing for the season ahead.
"It's quite a difference," Saunders said. "You maybe do something different in the offseason, maybe start throwing a little bit earlier. I tried to do that this year to the best I can, and I'm just trying to get my arm in shape pretty good. I like where it's at and we'll go from there."
Manager Kirk Gibson has noticed. "He just physically wasn't very good last year with the neck, and his back was hurting, too," Gibson said. "He's way better this year. Joe feels good. His body is in way better shape. You can just tell by looking at him."
SKAGGS READY FOR SPRING DEBUT
Top pitching prospect Tyler Skaggs was scratched from his scheduled Cactus League debut Saturday with tightness in his throwing shoulder, creating a bit of a stir about the 20-year-old left-hander's health. He reassured everyone that the tenderness he felt was minor and nothing to worry about.
Now Skaggs is set to make his first start of the spring Wednesday. He says he feels great and his shoulder has been trouble-free since Saturday.
"Everything's good," Skaggs said Tuesday. "I'm excited to pitch tomorrow. I've been ready since the first game. I really just want to get out there and pitch."
There's been much buzz in camp about Skaggs and fellow top pitching prospect Trevor Bauer, who made his spring debut Saturday. Skaggs will have to pitch well to match the impression Bauer made in two perfect innings, but he is more focused on getting himself ready for the season.
"I just want to get my feet under me," Skaggs said. "Just relax, take it all in and go out there and work hard."
Skaggs said the first outing of the spring will cause some butterflies in his stomach.
"If you don't get nervous before you pitch, you shouldn't even be playing anymore," Skaggs said. "I get nervous before every game no matter how big or small it is."
J.J.'S TIMETABLE
As long as Trevor Cahill and Skaggs pitch as planned Wednesday, all D-backs pitchers will have seen spring action except closer J.J. Putz. Putz, who splits his spring trainings between back fields and games, is set to make his first spring appearance on Friday against the Mariners in Peoria.
D-backs manager Kirk Gibson said Tuesday that Putz's appearance will "probably" come earlier in the game before regulars exit for the day.
"We're excited to get him," Gibson said. "When you throw later, especially with a guy like J.J., it actually works better because it gives him more time to prepare and work on his stuff. And in the important role of closer he's got, it really gives him an opportunity to work on mechanical things."
WEDNESDAY'S PROBABLES
Cahill makes his unofficial D-backs debut against the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday at Salt River Fields. He'll be followed by Skaggs. Other scheduled to pitch are Zach Kroenke, Craig Breslow, Brad Ziegler, Joe Martinez, Brett Lorin, Kevin Munson and Jonathan Albaladejo. Cleveland will start left-hander David Huff.
TUESDAY'S RESULT
The Rangers jumped on the D-backs early, scoring six runs in the first four innings, then battered Yonata Ortega for six runs in the seventh inning for a 13-0 lead. Outfielder David Winfree hit a three-run homer in the D-backs part of the seventh to avoid the shutout, but the Rangers' used 19 hits for a 16-3 win, dropping the D-backs to 1-3 in Cactus League play.
NOTES
D-backs relief prospect Evan Marshall left the game in the eighth inning after being hit in the chest by a line drive. Gibson said Marshall didn't appear to be significantly injured but would likely be evaluated further Tuesday night. …A day after getting a start in center field in place of Chris Young, Gerardo Parra moved to right field Tuesday and again impressed defensively with a sliding catch in foul territory during the fifth inning. Parra is expected to fill the fourth outfielder role after being bumped out of his spot in left field by the signing of Jason Kubel. … After missing two days with a groin issue, Rusty Ryal returned to the D-backs lineup as a designated hitter Tuesday. First baseman Geoff Blum (knee) missed a third straight day. ... The D-backs won't use a DH Wednesday, as Gibson hopes to get Cahill, who has spent his career in the American League, and Skaggs a chance to hit. Except for Cahill, the D-backs don't plan to have pitchers hit until March 20.
