This spring, 19 pitchers threw at least 100 pitches at Diamondbacks training camp. Only five men have a higher hitting percentage than right-hander Juan Morillo.
That’s a preliminary statistic for his Cactus League performance, but in a sense, the rest doesn’t matter to the Diamondbacks’ flamethrowing reliever.
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“I’ve got really good stuff,” Morillo said. “When I get in the zone, I have a good chance to get out quickly.”
Morillo said that was the biggest takeaway from his first major championship last season. He entered the offseason and began spring training with a focus on throwing as many targets as he could.
He spent the offseason working on his command and skills. He changed his eating habits. He even changed his sleeping habits.
He entered training camp at about the same weight (about 220 pounds) but felt stronger and more energetic, and he said he moved better on the mound.
His performance in the Cactus League earned him a spot on the Opening Day roster. He has yet to allow a run in 7 games, allowing four hits, two walks and eight strikeouts in 7 1/3 innings.
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“He’s maturing, he’s gaining confidence,” Diamondbacks pitching coach Brian Kaplan said. “He’s feeling more comfortable in his own skin. He’s worked a lot this offseason to get his body in better shape and ready for the season. He’s focused on nutrition and strength and taking that to the next level with a throwing program.
“Last year, there were a few times where he tried to use extra gear and his body and movement were a little out of control. He’s learning how to manage intensity and stay in control. He looks really good.”
Morillo, 27, averaged 99 mph on his fastball last year and frequently reached triple digits. His breaking ball and changeup often stay in the low 90s. This is nitro that is rarely seen among Diamondbacks pitchers.
Arizona Diamondbacks reliever Juan Morillo (67) throws a pitch during the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park in San Diego on July 10, 2025.
Morillo signed with the organization as a minor league free agent last offseason, coming to Arizona after nine years with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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He was so dominant last season that he was almost untouchable in the game. But he also had out-of-control games, and after a few games, he found himself back in Triple-A Reno the next day. He finished the season with a 4.19 ERA in 42 major league games.
“I learned that you always have to stay focused,” Morillo said. “For me, it was a challenge before. Now, I just want to throw the ball in the zone. I want to throw a lot of strikes. For me, right now, I feel like I’m throwing the ball really well. I’m doing a good job at that, and that’s the key for me right now.”
This spring, Morillo is shooting 65.2 percent from the field. That’s up from 61.6 percent last season and higher than last year’s major league average of 64 percent.
Morillo found himself, along with a few others, looking for a spot in the Opening Day bullpen. Entering Friday night, March 20, Morillo appeared to be competing against right-handers Andrew Hoffman and Joe Ross and left-handers Brandon Garcia and Phillip Abner.
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Those five are competing for three spots — and that doesn’t include the possibility of the club adding a pitcher, likely a lefty, via trade before the Thursday, March 26 opener at Dodger Stadium.
(This story will be updated, please check back soon.)
This article originally appeared in The Arizona Republic: Diamondbacks’ Juan Morillo makes strong case for bullpen position
