Thompson struck out one over a hitless and scoreless inning in Sunday's spring game against Cleveland.

EDGE Analysis

This was the second Cactus League appearance for the side-arming Thompson, who is in the mix to pick up save opportunities for the Diamondbacks. He entered Sunday's game in the third inning -- just like his first outing Feb. 26 -- when the opponent's regulars were still in the game. Thompson was immediately followed by Kevin Ginkel, another reliever that could get save chances. Arizona's closer situation is not resolved and could be a committee solution to start the regular season.

Thompson said he addressed an issue of tipping pitches that impacted him early in 2025, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thompson was uncharacteristically ineffective over the first 19 outings last season, leaving a May 19 appearance with a 7.50 ERA while allowing 2.0 home runs per nine innings. Once the side-armer discovered he was tipping pitches and addressed the issue, Thompson finished with a stretch of 29 games during which he posted a 1.16 ERA and did not allow a home run over 23.1 innings. The right-hander enters spring training as part of an unsettled bullpen without a closer and could pick up save opportunities on 2026. Arizona manager Torey Lovullo included Thompson along with Kevin Ginkel and Paul Sewald as potential closers.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo mentioned Thompson, Kevin Ginkel and Paul Sewald when asked who could fill the team's closer job, Alex D'Agostino of SI.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

"I mean it's probably simple arithmetic for you guys to figure out," Lovullo said. "I'm just going to go kind of blind here, but Sewald, Ginkel, Thompson, all those guys that have had that experience in big moments... they're all wanting to do it." D'Agostino writes that while Sewald, Ginkel and Thompson are the "likely frontrunners" for the gig, Lovullo was "emphatic that no roles will be handed to anyone." A.J. Puk (elbow) should also be in the mix to close when he returns around midseason, and Justin Martinez (elbow) will be a candidate if he makes it back late in the year. Lovullo noted that he prefers to have a defined closer, though it's unclear whether he plans to name one before Opening Day. Thompson has notched a total of four saves in his two-and-a-half regular seasons in Arizona, collecting a 3.21 ERA and 97:29 K:BB over 120.2 innings.

The Diamondbacks and Thompson avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $3.95 million contract Thursday, Ari Alexander of 7 News Boston reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thompson had been arbitration-eligible for a final time, and he will be entering his walk year. The veteran reliever has been a quality performer in manager Torey Lovullo's bullpen, posting a 3.21 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 97:29 K:BB across 120.2 regular-season frames during his time in Arizona. Thompson will be in the late-inning mix as part of an unsettled Diamondbacks bullpen in 2026.

The Diamondbacks activated Thompson (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Thompson has been shelved since early July with a right scapular strain but is ready to go after making a pair of scoreless rehab appearances with Triple-A Reno. The 33-year-old could be in the mix for saves as part of an unsettled Diamondbacks bullpen.

Thompson (shoulder) struck out a batter over a perfect inning during his rehab appearance for Triple-A Reno on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Friday's rehab outing was Thompson's second of the week, and Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo indicated Saturday that the reliever is likely to be activated when rosters expand Monday, per MLB.com. The right-hander has been on the 15-day injured list since July 6 due to a left trapezius strain.

Thompson (shoulder) is scheduled to throw Friday after pitching a scoreless inning for Triple-A Reno on Tuesday, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The outing Tuesday was the first game appearance of a rehab assignment for Thompson. Following a live batting practice and a sim game, Tuesday's appearance was expected to be his final step before activation; however, the report indicates Friday's throwing session is the only confirmed next step in the process. The Diamondbacks may be waiting for September when rosters can be expanded be to 28 players (14 pitchers).

Thompson (shoulder) is scheduled to pitch for Triple-A Reno on Tuesday, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is expected to be Thompson's final step before activation. The right-hander could immediately be added to Arizona's unsettled closer mix once he rejoins the roster.

Thompson (shoulder) threw a simulated game Friday, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thompson has been throwing regularly the last two weeks and has graduated to sessions that mimic a game environment, meaning he's getting up and down multiple times. The next step is expected to be a minor-league or a camp game before the right-hander is activated.

Thompson (shoulder) is expected to throw to live hitters Tuesday, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thompson threw three bullpen sessions over the last week and is ready for the next step in the rehab process. With Arizona experiencing two spectacular bullpen meltdowns Friday and Saturday, manager Torey Lovullo may be tempted to use Thompson in a high-leverage role as soon as he's activated from the 15-day injured list.