Kevin Ginkel

Kevin Ginkel threw a clean inning with two strikeouts in a save on Sunday against the Dodgers.

Fantasy Impact

Ginkel recorded his first save of the season. Brandyn Garcia was unavailable after pitching the previous two days. He still seems the likely favorite to be the closer for Arizona.

Arizona's bullpen heading into Opening Day consists entirely of right-handed pitchers, and Ginkel and Juan Morillo have been tasked with handling tough left-handed hitters. Ginkel's career splits are nearly identical against both sides (.312 OBP vs. righties, .311 vs. lefties), though in 2025 he was more effective against lefties, posting a 90 OPS+ against them compared to 137 OPS+ when facing right-handed hitters.

Fantasy Impact

The role could see him deployed in high-leverage seventh- or eighth-inning situations, which may limit his save opportunities. Arizona has no set closer, with Ginkel expected to share ninth-inning duties in a committee alongside Paul Sewald and Ryan Thompson.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo told reporters that he’s not locked into a particular closer to open the 2026 season.

Fantasy Impact

Kevin Ginkel, Paul Sewald and Ryan Thompson are all potential candidates to see save opportunities for Arizona. This will be a situation to monitor over the next month.

Kevin Ginkel threw a bullpen session on Tuesday.

Fantasy Impact

Ginkel missed the end of the 2025 season with a right shoulder strain, but appears healthy entering big league camp after throwing off a mound on Tuesday. He’s expected to handle high-leverage work, especially with A.J. Puk (elbow) not expected back until May and Justin Martinez (elbow) sidelined until August.

The Diamondbacks signed RHP Kevin Ginkel to a one-year, $2.725 million deal to avoid arbitration.

Fantasy Impact

Ginkel was sidelined to end last season with a right shoulder strain. He should remain in a high-leverage role in the Diamondbacks bullpen when he is healthy.