Diamondbacks 2017 preview: Arizona hopes healthy lineup reaches postseason potential

A spring training injury to A.J. Pollock derailed Arizona's season last year, but the lineup is healthy andready to surprise people in 2017.

Paul Goldschmidt has emerged as the most versatile first baseman in the game. He is also one of the best and most underrated players in MLB and would be contending for MVP awards on a consistent basis with more lineup protection.

Goldschmidt may get that protection this season with Pollock and David Peralta back. Young talent likeBrandon Drury, Yasmany Tomas and Jake Lamb look like future stars as well. Goldschmidt and company should be able to get over the hump this year.

The Diamondbacks' postseason hopes rest on theshaky rotation. Shelby Miller and Zack Greinke were terrible last season. Archie Bradley and Patrick Corbin regressed as well, while Robbie Ray struck out a lot of batters but also allowed a ton of runs.

Arizona needs Greinke to pitch like an ace this season to keep the bullpen fresh after the All-Star break.

Arizona Diamondbacks schedule 2017

The Diamondbacks open the seasonApril 2 with a four-game series at home against the Giants.

Arizona's most important early series could be a four-game battle April 14-17 at Los Angeles against the Dodgers.

Arizona Diamondbacks roster

Diamondbacks projected opening day lineup

1.Ketel Marte, SS

2.A.J. Pollock, CF

3.Paul Goldschmidt, 1B

4.David Peralta, RF

5.Jake Lamb, 3B

6.Brandon Drury, 2B

7. Yasmany Tomas, LF

8.Chris Iannetta, C

Diamondbacks projected rotation

1.Zack Greinke, RHP

2.Robbie Ray, LHP

3.Taijuan Walker, RHP

4.Shelby Miller, RHP

5.Archie Bradley, RHP

Diamondbacks projected bullpen

Closer:Fernando Rodney, RHP

Setup:Jake Barrett, RHP

Setup:Zack Godley, RHP

Diamondbacksfantasy baseball sleeper

Brandon Drury, 2B/LF— After hitting.282 with 16 home runs and 53 RBIs last season, Drury, 24, could be ready to become one of the top 50 hittersin fantasy baseball. The Diamondbacks have a plethora of depth with Chris Owings andNick Ahmed battling to see plenty of playing time. Drury will be available at multiple positions, which could help a fantasy roster gain a little more versatility.

Diamondbacks top prospect(s)

Anthony Banda, LHP — Banda is close to jumping into Arizona's rotation. Last year in the minors, he went 10-6 with 152 strikeouts and a 2.88 ERA in 150 innings. He needs to become more consistent with his command, however, after averaging more than three walks per nine innings.