The Diamondbacks will select the contract of veteran outfielder and longtime division rival Gregor Blanco prior to tonight’s game, reports Tommy Stokke of FanRag Sports (Twitter link). Arizona’s 40-man roster is full, so a corresponding move will need to be made. (Injured right-hander Shelby Miller has already been moved to the 60-day DL, so they’ll need to look elsewhere to free up a spot.)
The 33-year-old Blanco inked a minor league deal with the D-backs this offseason and may have had a shot at cracking the Opening Day roster were it not for an oblique issue that slowed him late in Spring Training. He’s been rehabbing that injury thus far in 2017 and has hit quite well in six games with the Diamondbacks’ Class-A Advanced and Triple-A affiliates (nine hits, four stolen bases and a 6-to-3 K/BB ratio through 26 plate appearances).
Blanco, of course, is a known commodity in the NL West after having spent the 2012-16 seasons wearing a Giants uniform. In 649 career games with San Francisco (2054 plate appearances), he’s posted .259/.338/.360 batting line while seeing time all over the outfield. A reserve role in Arizona seems likely for Blanco, as each of Yasmany Tomas, A.J. Pollock and David Peralta is healthy at the moment (with the exception of a recent bout with the flu for Peralta).
Underrated, Blanco is a good addition…
Not sure why Hazelbaker was optioned down. He was fairly productive so far this season
Shipley will be optioned. Hazelbaker hit .1000 through his first 8AB’s. Has fallen off a cliff since then. Blanco gives Dbacks vet status as they stay on top of NL West.
How long do you think they can stay on top?
Couple of days
Hate to lose Blanco. Defensive stud when in SF and great attitude. Wish the Giants would of kept him as a fan favorite. Hope he does well in Arizona.
I would like to repeat these sentiments. Hopefully personal success and not team success.
I agree Lbd. Blanco is a cool guy, great clubhouse presence, and a defensive monster. How about his diving catch in center field at the wall keeping Matty’s perfect game alive? I too wish he was still a Giant. I wish him well in AZ!
Better than whatever the Giants have in LF right now.
When you demote someone you cannot bring them right back up. They have to spend I believe 7 days in the minors. Unless there is an injury.