Bumgarner makes its spring premiere

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The second act in Madison Bumgarner’s career hasn’t been as successful as the first.

In his third season with the Diamondbacks, the four-time All-Star pitcher is looking to turn things around.

At 32, Bumgarner made his preseason debut on Tuesday. He allowed three runs in 2 1/3 innings against the Texas Rangers.

He gave up a couple of home runs, but his speed was a little better than in recent seasons. His fastball hit 92 or 93 miles per hour.

“I’m happy with the way I felt,” he said. “My arm and body felt good.”

The left-hander certainly needs a productive season if the Diamondbacks want to compete in the NL West after posting 110 losses last season.

Bumgarner signed an $85 million, five-year deal in 2020, a few months before the pandemic upended baseball’s schedule. That abbreviated campaign marked the worst year of his career.

He finished 1-4 with a 6.48 ERA.

He improved a bit in 2021, as one of the most reliable shooters on the team. His record was 7-10 and his ERA was 4.67 in 26 starts.

The Diamondbacks haven’t been very active during the offseason. They beefed up their bullpen with Marc Melancon and Ian Kennedy.

Instead, their division opponents have made spectacular signings, as in the case of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who acquired Freddie Freeman, and the Colorado Rockies, who acquired Kris Bryant.

REDS DEAL WITH INJURIES

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Jose Barrero needs hand surgery and will be sidelined for about six weeks, manager David Bell said.

Considered by the Reds as their shortstop of the future, the 23-year-old Cuban is scheduled to undergo hamate bone surgery in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Tuesday.

Kyle Farmer would be Cincinnati’s regular shortstop. However, Barrero was expected to play more this season.

Bell added that right-hander Luis Castillo could miss his first regular-season start with shoulder soreness. He was expected to start pitching several innings on Tuesday.