The D-Backs shook a number of issues up upfront of their sequence with the Dodgers. Arizona reinstated catcher Gabriel Moreno from the 10-day injured checklist and designated backup Tucker Barnhart for task. (Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reported these forthcoming strikes over the weekend.) The Snakes positioned starter Jordan Montgomery on the 15-day injured checklist, retroactive to June 29, on account of proper knee irritation. Arizona additionally optioned younger infielder Blaze Alexander to Triple-A Reno. Heart fielder Alek Thomas is again from the 10-day IL, whereas the D-Backs recalled righty Gavin Hollowell to take a spot within the bullpen.
Montgomery has had a nightmarish season. The veteran southpaw agreed to phrases on a $25MM pillow contract simply earlier than Opening Day. As with fellow late signee Blake Snell, he has had important struggles with that abbreviated ramp-up. Montgomery agreed to go to Reno for a number of begins as a tune-up. He was recalled in mid-April however hasn’t discovered something near his typical type.
Over 13 begins, Montgomery carries a 6.03 ERA in 65 2/3 innings. He’s putting out a nicely below-average 15.1% of opposing hitters. Montgomery had punched out greater than 21% of batters confronted in every of the earlier three seasons. He allowed fewer than 4 earned runs per 9 in every year whereas combining for a 3.48 ERA over 94 begins. The common velocity on his sinker is down from its customary 93 MPH vary to 91.7 MPH.
It’s inconceivable to understand how a lot of Montgomery’s struggles are attributable to the unconventional begin to the season. It appears truthful to presume that has performed some function. Regardless of the major trigger, Montgomery hasn’t supplied something near the type of manufacturing Arizona envisioned. The D-Backs hoped he’d step in as a mid-rotation alternative after Eduardo Rodriguez suffered a Spring Coaching lat pressure. As an alternative, he’s been arguably the weakest level in a beginning employees that continues to be the crew’s greatest query mark.
Arizona not too long ago welcomed Zac Gallen again from the injured checklist. They’re nonetheless with out Rodriguez and Merrill Kelly. Righty Brandon Pfaadt has been strong, however the D-Backs haven’t gotten a lot out of Slade Cecconi and Ryne Nelson. They’ll have to discover a fifth starter this week, as Arizona doesn’t have one other off day till the All-Star Break. That may be righty Cristian Mena. Alex Weiner of AZ Sports activities tweets that Mena is with the large league membership in Los Angeles, although he’s not but on the roster. Acquired from the White Sox for Dominic Fletcher over the winter, the 21-year-old Mena has a 4.90 ERA with a 24.4% strikeout fee in 16 Triple-A begins. Joe Mantiply will kick off a bullpen sport tonight; Montgomery had been slated to start out tomorrow’s contest.
On the place participant aspect, Moreno and Thomas draw again into the lineup. The previous had a minimal IL stick with a thumb sprain. He’ll return to his function as the first catcher. Barnhart’s DFA means the D-Backs will persist with José Herrera within the #2 catching function. Thomas has missed the majority of the season due to a hamstring pressure. He performed in solely 4 video games earlier than taking place. That pushed Corbin Carroll into heart subject. Carroll ought to transfer again to proper subject, which might reduce into the enjoying time for Jake McCarthy and Randal Grichuk.
It pushes Alexander off the MLB roster in the interim. The 25-year-old logged a superb chunk of enjoying time at shortstop whereas Geraldo Perdomo was on the shelf. Upon Perdomo’s return, supervisor Torey Lovullo prompt he’d get Alexander extra enjoying time at third base whereas slicing into Eugenio Suárez’s workload. Alexander bought common run for about two weeks however fell right into a stoop, hitting .138 with out an extra-base knock in 33 plate appearances. Suárez has began 5 of the previous six video games on the sizzling nook. With Kevin Newman enjoying moderately nicely as a utility possibility who can’t be optioned, the D-Backs ship Alexander again to Reno for extra constant enjoying time.
