Ziegler (knee) tossed a perfect inning during a minor league game Wednesday, the Arizona Republic reports. The appearances was his first in a game this spring, and it included a player where he had to test his surgically-repaired knee by covering first base on a grounder. Ziegler expects to be ready for Opening Day, although he was unintentionally throwing some pitches Wednesday from a higher arm slot.

Ziegler (knee) is no longer scheduled to make his Cactus League debut Wednesday, but he will pitch in a minor league game, Nick Piecoro of azcentral.com reports. The tweak in plans isn't necessarily significant, but it also isn't a great sign. Ziegler's availability for Opening Day is still in question, though he should be ready early in the season, if not by April 6.

Ziegler (knee) will make his Cactus League debut Wednesday, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports. Returning from microfracture knee surgery, Ziegler appears to have a chance at being ready for Opening Day. How he responds to the first taste of game action this spring should give a better read on his chances of his availability for April 6.

Ziegler (knee) threw to hitters and took fielding practice Saturday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports. Per the report, Saturday's sessions were the last hurdles Ziegler needed to clear before being ready for game action. With Addison Reed dealing with a shoulder injury, Ziegler could be a candidate to serve as the team's closer at the beginning of the season, but he'll need to get through Cactus League action pain-free first.

Ziegler (knee) faced Chris Owings in live batting practice Wednesday, marking his first appearance of the spring against a hitter, the Arizona Republic reports. The uncertainty surrounding Addison Reed (shoulder) could open up a few early-season save opportunities for Ziegler, but he'll need to progress through several Cactus League games in the coming weeks in order to prove that he's ready to go for the start of the season following microfracture surgery.

Ziegler (knee) could face live hitters as soon as Wednesday, the Arizona Republic's Nick Piecoro reports. The Diamondbacks may be without Addison Reed (shoulder) when the season begins, but Ziegler's delayed timetable this spring may prevent him from being an option to close out games in April. There's still enough time for him to be ready for the start of the season, but Evan Marshall may be the next in line option behind Reed at the present time.

Ziegler (knee) will throw another bullpen session Friday and is getting closer to throwing to live batters, Fox Sports Arizona reports. Ziegler had a 3.49 ERA, struck out 54 batters, and had a 5-3 record with one save over 67.0 innings last season. His status for Opening Day remains in question, but with Addison Reed (shoulder) yet to throw from the mound this spring, if Ziegler is healthy, he could see some early save opportunities. Otherwise, expect Ziegler to work during the seventh or eighth inning.

Ziegler (knee) threw off a mound Tuesday for the first time since undergoing microfracture surgery in September, mlb.com's Steve Gilbert reports. While Ziegler shouldn't quite be considered a lock for Opening Day, the Diamondbacks expect him to be ready by that time. The side-armer figures to open 2015 in a setup role, but he could be in the mix for saves if Addison Reed (general soreness) has another rocky season.

Ziegler (knee) is expected to be ready for Opening Day, MLB.com reports.Ziegler recently said that he should be available by Opening Day or shortly thereafter, even though he isn't yet ready to throw off a mound. He's expected to work in the seventh or eighth inning, setting up for the shaky Addison Reed. In the event Reed falters, Ziegler would likely be among the leading candidates for ninth-inning work, despite his consistent lack of strikeouts.

Ziegler (knee) will not be ready to throw off a mound when spring training begins, MLB.com reports. Ziegler, who said his recovery from September microfracture surgery is "going well," has been able to play catch overhand without issue. However, his knee will really be tested once he starts to throw from his usual submarine delivery, which puts a good deal of stress on his plant leg. The right-hander is holding out hope that he'll be ready for Opening Day, but if added that if he isn't, "it should be shortly after that."