The Arizona Diamondbacks report for work early this spring training. While other Major League Baseball players still have more than a week to report to their clubs, Diamondbacks’ pitchers and catchers hit the practice field on Feb. 6. The full squad reports next Tuesday. That is a full week earlier than other Cactus League teams.
The reason for the early arrival is the team’s trip to Sydney, Australia for a two-game regular season opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Diamondbacks’ spokesman, Josh Rawich said the international trip should not be a problem for players and crew.
“We land in Sydney on Tuesday morning, and then we don’t play until Friday. So, a lot of it will come down to, we’ll have a few days to get ourselves acclimated, both to the venue, and to the time change," said Rawich. "And honestly, it’s pretty similar to a regular road trip.”
The Diamondbacks will play the Australian national team before officially opening the 20-14 season against the Dodgers on March 22 and 23. Australia is a buzz about the games and is transforming the historic Sydney Cricket Ground to accommodate America’s pastime.