SCOTTSDALE, AZ – The Arizona Diamondbacks return to Salt River Fields at Talking Stick today to host the Oakland Athletics in a Cactus League matchup. As spring training progresses, both teams are using these games to evaluate players and refine their strategies ahead of the 2026 MLB season. Fans eager to follow the action can tune in via the D-backs’ AZ Audio network or the A’s Cast on Talk 650 KSTE.
The Diamondbacks, coming off a 3-2 victory over the Rockies on Tuesday, are looking to build momentum as they prepare for the February 20th Cactus League opening day, as reported by 12news.com. This game provides another opportunity for manager Torey Lovullo to assess his roster and experiment with different lineups. The Athletics, meanwhile, are also deep into their spring training schedule, having begun practice for pitchers and catchers on February 10th, according to springtrainingconnection.com.
Probable Pitchers and Expected Lineups
While official lineups weren’t immediately available at the time of this report, both teams have indicated their probable starting pitchers. Details regarding specific batting orders are still developing, but the focus remains on giving players valuable at-bats and evaluating their performance in game situations. The Diamondbacks and Rockies both began spring training with pitchers and catchers reporting on February 10th and 12th respectively, with position players joining shortly after on February 15th and 17th, as detailed by springtrainingconnection.com.
Salt River Fields: A Spring Training Hub
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick continues to be a popular destination for baseball fans during spring training. The complex, shared by the Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies, offers a state-of-the-art facility for players and a welcoming atmosphere for spectators. Fans can access complex and concourse maps to navigate the grounds, as provided by MLB.com. Single-game tickets for the Diamondbacks’ spring training schedule are currently available, running from February 20th to March 24th, as advertised on saltriverfields.com.
Recent Attendance Trends
Spring training attendance at Salt River Fields has fluctuated in recent years. According to data from springtrainingconnection.com, the Diamondbacks drew an average of 10,049 fans per game in 2017, with a total attendance of 180,887. Attendance figures dipped in subsequent years, reaching an average of 6,647 in 2009. The Rockies also saw varying attendance numbers, averaging 8,999 fans in 2017 and 5,243 in 2009. These figures highlight the enduring appeal of spring training baseball in the Scottsdale area.
Looking Ahead
As the Cactus League season progresses, the Diamondbacks and Athletics will continue to use these games to fine-tune their rosters and prepare for the challenges of the regular season. Fans can expect to see increased competition for roster spots and a greater emphasis on strategic decision-making as the opening day approaches. The Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies will continue to share Salt River Fields as their spring training home, providing a vibrant baseball experience for fans throughout February and March.
Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of the Diamondbacks, the Athletics, and all of Major League Baseball. Share your thoughts on the game and the upcoming season in the comments below!
