It's no secret that the Arizona Diamondbacks have had notorious difficulties in the early innings of games in recent play. D-backs starting pitchers are struggling to even complete five innings, and have frequently been blown up for multiple runs in the first inning alone. In fact, Arizona's first-inning ERA is an abysmal 8.18 — the worst in the majors by a run and a half. In a larger sense, the D-backs need their starting pitchers to throw more strikes , labor less heavily and give up fewer runs. Easier said than done, of course. But there is one method that could help Arizona get off to more beneficial starts in the early innings of games: using an opener. At the very least, it can't hurt to try. Diamondbacks should consider using an opener Apr 21, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Taylor Clarke against the Chicago White Sox at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J.…