Reno's Rotation Projects to be Deep and Dominant
Limiting runs is a difficult task in the hitting friendly confines of the PCL and Greater Nevada Field, but the Reno Aces are more equipped than ever to keep their foes at bay this season. Let’s predict and project the 2025 pitching staff as we near Opening Day. The Diamondbacks
Limiting runs is a difficult task in the hitting friendly confines of the PCL and Greater Nevada Field, but the Reno Aces are more equipped than ever to keep their foes at bay this season. Let’s predict and project the 2025 pitching staff as we near Opening Day.
The Diamondbacks officially optioned Cristian Mena and Yilber Diaz to Triple-A, supplying Reno with two of the most exciting young starters in the league to open the season. Mena, 22, saw his 2024 campaign end prematurely after suffering a forearm strain in July. He’s a sizable right-hander with a five pitch mix, including a mid-90s fastball. His slider was one of the best in the PCL with tight action that consistently garnered whiffs. He made his MLB debut against Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers last season and hopes to re-join the Diamondbacks in short order.
We're still knotted at 0 over in Sacramento, but Cristian Mena just struck out Shohei Ohtani 🥹 pic.twitter.com/HyQ28mHy2Z
— Reno Aces (@Aces) July 4, 2024
Diaz burst onto the scene in 2024 with a handful of dominant performances for Double-A Amarillo. His arm is electric, driven by a 95-97 mph fastball and a fantastic slider. He tied for sixth among 92 PCL pitchers in ERA (3.22) after his promotion to Reno last season, minimum 50 innings. The DBacks couldn’t ignore his breathtaking six inning, 13-strikeout obliteration of the River Cats in Sacramento and made the call shortly after. Diaz has the upside to be a mainstay in Arizona’s rotation for years to come.
Southpaw Tommy Henry has thrown nearly 200 innings in the big leagues since 2022 and remains on the 40-man roster, so he's a consistent option should the DBacks need an arm. He was stingy for Reno in 2024, posting a sterling 4.25 ERA and starting game one of the PCL Championship in Sugar Land. He’s just over 150 frames from becoming Reno’s all-time leader in innings pitched.
Tommy Henry did a job 🔒 pic.twitter.com/Iq5bTdhFcP
— Reno Aces (@Aces) August 3, 2024
Bullpen
The DBacks’ front office took a markedly different approach to minor league free agency this offseason. Last year, Reno’s first half bullpen was full of high velocity strikeout machines, but that archetype also led to walks and blown games. Reno turned things around in the second half and posted the second best bullpen ERA in the league from late June on, a key factor in the team’s run to the PCL Championship.
If last year was a test on untapped huge arms, this one is on established and experienced veterans. The average age of the offseason minor league bullpen signings is 32, with Shelby Miller (34), Casey Kelly (35), Jeff Brigham (33), Josh Winder (28) John Curtiss (31), and J.P Feyereisen (32) joining the re-signed José Castillo (29) and Scott McGough (35). Winder is the youngest of the bunch and he’s unfortunately going to miss the entire season due to right elbow surgery, as is flamethrower Thyago Vieira.
Drey Jameson and Kyle Nelson, both returning from serious injuries, will begin their seasons in Reno. The sturdy righties Christian Montes De Oca and Kyle Amendt would then likely finish off the group, and Austin Pope is aiming for a May return from offseason knee surgery. Nine of the projected relievers have pitched in the majors, with Curtiss, McGough, Brigham, Nelson, Kelly, Feyereisen, and Miller all at 90 or more innings at the highest level.
.@Dbacks reliever Scott McGough has had quite the journey back to Major League Baseball!
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 15, 2023
The right-hander talked through his biggest takeaways from playing in the NPB for 4 seasons (2019-2022), Arizona's run to the World Series and more. pic.twitter.com/QvNyLS66tP
This should be a seasoned, strike-throwing, high floor unit with a chance to be one of the more steady arm barns in the PCL. Injuries and call-ups threaten at every turn, but there’s reason to be optimistic about Reno’s Opening Day bullpen, especially with a rotation that should regularly pitch deep into games.
The Reno Aces will open the 2025 season on the road in Las Vegas on Friday, March 28. They will make their home debut at Greater Nevada Field on Tuesday, April 1, hosting the Tacoma Rainiers, the Seattle Mariners' Triple-A affiliate, at 2:05 p.m. PDT.
Season memberships for the 2025 season are available via RenoAces.com by texting "MEMBER" to 21003 or calling (775) 334-7000.
Reno Aces Announce Promotional Schedule for June
RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces have announced their promotions for the upcoming June homestands at Greater Nevada Field as the team hosts 12 games next month. Individual Game tickets are currently on sale via RenoAces.com, or by texting "TIXX" to 21003. Special Events Country Night: Friday, June 13th vs.
Del Castillo Belts Grand Slam in Season Debut, Aces Drop Series Opener to Space Cowboys
Sugar Land Space Cowboys (35-28) 15, Reno Aces (30-34) 9 W: J. Weems (1-0) L: T. Henry (2-6) First pitch: 6:36 p.m. PST | Attendance: 3,239 | Time: 3:19 Reno, Nevada – Greater Nevada Field Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: vs Sugar Land, 6/11/25 at 6:35 p.m.
Reno Closes Out Two-Week Road Trip with Series Split in Oklahoma City
RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces (30–33) wrapped up a two-week road trip with a six-game split against the Oklahoma City Comets (36–25), the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Reno started strong, taking back-to-back wins on Tuesday and Wednesday, but couldn’t maintain momentum, dropping
Aces Drop Series Finale vs Comets in 11-6 Loss
Reno Aces (30-33) 6, Oklahoma City Comets (37-26) 11 W: J. Fernandez (2-0) L: L. Albright (0-1) First pitch: 12:07 p.m. PST | Attendance: 4,863 | Time: 3:17 Oklahoma City, OK – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: vs Sugar Land, 6/10/25 at 6:35 p.m.
Aces Allow Late Lead Slip Away in 4-3 Defeat to Comets
Reno Aces (30-32) 3, Oklahoma City Comets (36-26) 4 W: J. Little (2-2) L: T. English (0-1) First pitch: 4:07 p.m. PST | Attendance: 8,011 | Time: 3:06 Oklahoma City, OK – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: at Oklahoma City, 6/8/25 at 12:05 p.m.
Reload on the Mound: Prospects Dylan Ray & Spencer Giesting Promoted to Reno
RENO, Nev – The BLC-Nine recently bolstered their pitching staff with the addition of two top prospects, RHP Dylan Ray and LHP Spencer Giesting. Both were promoted from Double-A Amarillo and joined the Aces ahead of their current series in Oklahoma City against the Comets. Ray, ranked as Arizona’s #20
Ninth-Inning Bombs by Lawlar & Mancini Lift Reno to Dramatic 8-7 Win Over Oklahoma City
Reno Aces (30-31) 8, Oklahoma City Comets (35-26) 7 W: T. Scott (1-0) L: W. Klein (2-1) First pitch: 5:09 p.m. PST | Attendance: 7,717 | Time: 3:21 Oklahoma City, OK – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: at Oklahoma City, 6/7/25 at 4:05 p.m.
Aces Come Up Short in 5-3 Defeat vs. Comets
Reno Aces (29-31) 3, Oklahoma City Comets (35-25) 5 W: R. Sublette (6-2) L: B. Jarvis (1-1) S: J. Little (9) First pitch: 5:29 p.m. PST | Attendance: 3,549 | Time: 2:53 (:24 delay) Oklahoma City, OK – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: at
Mancini’s 9th Inning Blast Stuns Oklahoma City in 6-5 Victory
Reno Aces (29-30) 6, Oklahoma City Comets (34-25) 5 W: J. Curtiss (1-1) L: L. Boyer (5-5) S: T. Scott First pitch: 5:04 p.m. PST | Attendance: 3,748 | Time: 2:36 Oklahoma City, OK – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: at Oklahoma City, 6/5/25
Aces Hold Off Comets in 7-6 Thriller Behind Lawlar's Four RBI
Reno Aces (28-30) 7, Oklahoma City Comets (34-24) 6 W: K. Backhus (4-4) L: J. Little (1-2) S: S. Reid-Foley First pitch: 5:07 p.m. PST | Attendance: 4,369 | Time: 3:06 Oklahoma City, OK – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: at Oklahoma City, 6/4/25
Aces Head to Oklahoma City to Finish Two-Week Road Trip vs Comets
RENO, Nev. – Following a series split in the first half of a two-week road trip in Round Rock, the Reno Aces (27-30) now head to Oklahoma City to take on the Comets (34-23), the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The six-game set will kick off on Tuesday,
Bryce Jarvis Named Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Week
RENO, Nev. – Bryce Jarvis has been named the Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Week following a dominant outing against the Round Rock Express. The talented right-hander was electric in his latest performance, tossing six no-hit innings while walking one and striking out nine. The outing capped off a
Aces Split Series with Round Rock to Open Two-Week Road Trip
RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces (27–30) split the first leg of their two-week road trip with the Round Rock Express (27–30), the Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, during a competitive six-game series this past week at Dell Diamond. It was a back-and-forth battle between the two clubs. Reno
Lawlar & English Lead Late Rally, Aces Take Down Express 7-4 in Series Finale
Reno Aces (27-30) 7, Round Rock Express (27-30) 4 W: K. Backhus (3-4) L: E. Teodo (1-1) First pitch: 11:06 a.m. PST | Attendance: 4,510 | Time: 2:53 Round Rock, Texas – Dell Diamond Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: at Oklahoma City, 6/3/25 at 5:05 p.m. PST
Aces Silenced by Express in 6-0 Loss on Saturday
Reno Aces (26-30) 0, Round Rock Express (27-29) 6 W: D. Dunning (2-1) L: Y. Lin (0-3) First pitch: 5:15 p.m. PST | Attendance: 9,052 | Time: 2:35 Round Rock, Texas – Dell Diamond Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: at Round Rock, 6/1/25 at 11:05 a.m. PST
Jarvis Fans Nine Over Six No-Hit Frames in 6-5 Win vs. Round Rock
Reno Aces (26-29) 6, Round Rock Express (26-29) 5 W: B. Jarvis (1-0) L: G. Garabito (0-6) S: J. Curtiss (1) First pitch: 5:17 p.m. PST | Attendance: 6,192 | Time: 2:44 Round Rock, Texas – Dell Diamond Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: at Round Rock, 5/31/25
Kelly Tosses a Gem, Aces Fall 2-1 in Extra-Innings to Express
Reno Aces (25-29) 1, Round Rock Express (26-28) 2 W: L. Curvelo (3-0) L: K. Backhus (2-4) First pitch: 5:07 p.m. PST | Attendance: 3,227 | Time: 3:06 Round Rock, Texas – Dell Diamond Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: at Round Rock, 5/30/25 at 5:15 p.m. PST
Henry Dominates, Aces Snap Losing Streak with 5-4 Win Over Round Rock
Reno Aces (25-28) 5, Round Rock Express (25-28) 4 W: T. Henry (2-5) L: R. Dugger (0-3) First pitch: 5:52 p.m. PST | Attendance: 3,177 | Time: 2:54 ( :47 delay) Round Rock, Texas – Dell Diamond Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: at Round Rock, 5/29/25 at
English Records Four Knocks, Aces Drop Series Opener to Express
Reno Aces (24-28) 5, Round Rock Express (25-27) 6 W: C. Heurer (2-1) L: K. Backhus (2-3) First pitch: 5:04 p.m. PST | Attendance: 4,508 | Time: 3:02 Round Rock, Texas – Dell Diamond Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: at Round Rock, 5/28/25 at 5:05 p.m. PST
Reno Opens Six-Game Series in Round Rock on Tuesday
RENO, Nev. – Following a series split with the Albuquerque Isotopes, the Reno Aces (24–27) will now hit the road for a six-game set against the Round Rock Express (24–27), the Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. The series will kick off on Tuesday, May 27, at 5:05 p.m. PST
St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center Supervisor and Kidney Transplant Recipient to be Recognized at the Reno Aces Game on May 23
RENO, Nev. (May 21, 2025) — At the age of 19, Reno native Alondra Orozco was first diagnosed with kidney disease. It was a transformative time in her life. What was supposed to be an exciting transition into her college career turned into fear and uncertainty while tethered to a
Reno Opens Series Strong, Settle for Split with Isotopes
RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces (24-27) split their six-game homestand with the Albuquerque Isotopes (22-28), the Triple-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, this past week at Greater Nevada Field. Reno came out hot with three straight wins to open the series but couldn’t carry that momentum into the weekend,
Aces Blanked in Series Finale, Fall 14-0 to Isotopes
Albuquerque Isotopes (22-28) 14, Reno Aces (24-27) 0 W: C. Van Scoyoc (1-1) L: Y. Lin (0-2) First pitch: 1:05 p.m. PST | Attendance: 4,063 | Time: 2:43 Reno, Nevada – Greater Nevada Field Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: at Round Rock, 5/27/25 at 5:05 p.m. PST
Garcia’s Go-Ahead Homer Not Enough as Aces Fall 8-7 to Isotopes
Albuquerque Isotopes (21-28) 8, Reno Aces (24-26) 7 W: D. Castillo (3-2) L: J. Brigham (6-2) S: A. Kelly (2) First pitch: 6:06 p.m. PST | Attendance: 5,399 | Time: 3:03 Reno, Nevada – Greater Nevada Field Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: vs Albuquerque, 5/25/25 at 1:05
English Homers, Aces Fall 8-2 to Isotopes
Albuquerque Isotopes (20-28) 2, Reno Aces (24-25) 8 W: A. Molina (1-4) L: C. Kelly (0-2) First pitch: 6:05 p.m. PST | Attendance: 5,584 | Time: 2:42 Reno, Nevada – Greater Nevada Field Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: vs Albuquerque, 5/24/25 at 6:05 p.m. PST (ABQ) TBD