The Diamondbacks feel De La Rosa may be best served starting the season at Triple-A Reno, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.
De La Rosa is pitching again after missing 18 months due to Tommy John elbow surgery -- the second time he's undergone that procedure. He's had a pair of scoreless outings this spring, including one in an appearance against the Reds on Monday, when he flashed a high-90s fastball while striking out the side. By having De La Rosa start at Reno, the organization can easily limit the length and frequency of his appearances. Once the right-hander is eased into the season, De La Rosa can rejoin the Diamondbacks' bullpen, where he's shown flashes of being a dominant late-inning weapon.