The Diamondbacks have designated right-hander Kyle Drabek for assignment, per a team announcement (and as Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic said was in the works, on Twitter). His roster spot will go to fellow righty Matt Buschmann.
Drabek ended up making just one appearance in a quick stint, but he did provide two much-needed innings in relief last night. He owns a 5.26 ERA over 179 2/3 career MLB frames, but has never made good on his former promise. Drabek, who entered the professional ranks as a first-round pick, once rated as one of the game’s very best pitching prospects.
As for Buschmann, he’ll get his first crack at the majors after ten years of minor league action. The 32-year-old signed a minor league deal with Arizona this winter, and obviously picked the right organization. Working at Triple-A last year as a starter with three different clubs, Buschmann ran up a 4.14 ERA with 7.3 K/9 and 3.1 BB/9 over 134 2/3 innings.
Very happy for the guy. He’s been toiling away in the minors since 2006, and he’s finally gotten his shot. Good luck to him.
The Pirates should take a run a Drabek
I thought he’d be a decent signing for the Bucs but on second thought they have enough pitchers like him to shuffle between the back end of the rotation, bullpen, and AAA (Vogelsong, Lobstein, Luebke, Trevor Williams, Steven Brault, etc) not to mention Taillon and Glasnow who are coming up at some point this year if they stay healthy.
Halos should pick him up.
The Cubs would be a perfect, you never can have enough pitching. Hammel might be gone after this year and Lackey will be gone in 2. Bosio is a wizard in reclaiming pitchers potential.
Over seven seasons, Drabek has 5.9 BB/9. Your team does not want him.
If the Cubs could get him for low cost, put him in the bullpen. Last year one main reason Cubs lost to the Mets was pitcher fatigue. Having another arm in the bullpen in AAA that can spot start is a good thing.