National League spring training notes

Arizona Diamondbacks

Center fielder Starling Marte, acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a January trade, is very impressed with his new team’s talent level.

“When I looked at their roster I was like, ‘Wow, this team has a chance to make the playoffs and win it,’ ” Marte said.

The addition of Marte means IF-OF Ketel Marte will be the second baseman. ❚ Right-hander Archie Bradley won his 2020 salary arbitration case and gets a raise from $1.83 million to $4.1 million. The Diamondbacks argued for $3.625 million.

Atlanta Braves

Left-hander Cole Hamels will begin the season on the injured list because of a strained right shoulder.

“I know I’m behind the 8ball,” Hamels said. “But once I knock (the inflammation) out right away, I know I’ll be able to be the best pitcher I can.”

Hamels was signed to a oneyear, $18 million contract in the offseason.

❚ The Braves opened their $125 million spring training complex in North Port, Florida. They had trained at Disney’s Wide World of Sports in Lake Buena Vista for 22 years.

Chicago Cubs

Veteran second baseman Jason Kipnis is serving as a mentor to Nico Hoerner while competing with the rookie and Daniel Descalso and David Bote for the starting second baseman’s job.

“I think he’s a stud,” Kipnis said of Hoerner.

Kipnis was signed to a minor league contract as a free agent after nine years with the Cleveland Indians.

❚ The Cubs did not make any significant offseason additions beyond hiring manager David Ross.

Chairman Tom Ricketts, though, is convinced his team can still win the NL Central.

Cincinnati Reds

Coming off the worst season of his 14-year career, first baseman Joey Votto is thrilled the Reds added second baseman Mike Moustakas and outfielders Nick Castellanos and Shogo Akiyama as free agents over the winter.

“I was shocked for sure, and it seemed like it was one after the other,” Votto said.

The six-time All-Star hit .261 with 15 home runs in 142 games.

❚ Votto, a Canadian, paid tribute to late Toronto Blue Jays star Tony Fernandez by writing “RIP Tony. My dad and I loved you” on his cap.

DAVID SANTIAGO/AP Marlins infielder Jonathan Villar will get a long look in center in Grapefruit League play. He has appeared in eight games at the position in his seven-year MLB career. “I’m coming here to help the team,” Villar said.