The Diamondbacks announced a series of roster moves today, with right-hander Luke Weaver being activated from the 60-day injured list. To create space for Weaver on the active roster, right-hander Edwin Uceta was optioned to Triple-A. To open a spot on the 40-man roster, infielder Drew Ellis was designated for assignment.
Acquired from the Cardinals in the Paul Goldschmidt trade, Weaver had an excellent start to his Diamondbacks tenure, although it was limited by a forearm strain. In 12 starts that year, he put up a 2.94 ERA in 64 1/3 innings. But over the subsequent two seasons, injuries and underperformance dimmed his outlook. In April, manager Terry Lovullo announced that the club planned to use Weaver out of the bullpen to start the year. Regardless, Weaver landed on the IL with elbow inflammation after throwing just 2/3 of an inning, only now making his way back to the majors. It’s possible that Weaver could get back into the rotation soon, as his last rehab outing was a four-inning start where he threw 60 pitches. Caleb Smith took Weaver’s rotation spot at the start of the year but was himself bumped into the bullpen after just one start. Humberto Castellanos took over a rotation spot in April but landed on the IL recently.
As for Ellis, 26, he was a second round pick of the D-Backs in 2017. He had his contract selected in July of last year and made his major league debut. In 34 MLB games so far, he has a tepid batting line of .134/.268/.207, 37 wRC+. He has an incredible 18.4% walk rate in 42 Triple-A games this year, helping him produce a line of .217/.369/.399, 100 wRC+. Ellis has garnered praise from prospect evaluators for his defense, where he’s capable of playing first, second or third base. Given that versatility and patient approach at the plate, he could be of interest to other clubs, especially since he still has options and can be stashed in the minors. Arizona will have a week to trade him or put him on waivers.
Season’s already getting ugly. Sigh.
sufferfortribe best to lower expectations. In my mind, best case scenario is a .500 record and the third playoff spot. I’m excited to watch the young guys develop and learn to compete against Dodgers, etc. They are very inconsistent now, which is to be expected. I’m looking for glimpses of ultimate potential.
Power numbers are encouraging, especially HR numbers from Pavin Smith, Daulton Varsho, Alek Thomas and even Jake McCarthy.
Two glaring weaknesses are bullpen again this year, although they are slightly better than last year, and very susceptible to LHP, need more RH hitting OF.
Yeah, been a rough initiation for me as a new D-Backs fan. But after being a Tribe fan for 50+ years, I possess much experience with patience.
Also excited for the young guys, plus those on their way up the ladder. Still don’t understand why Stone Garrett hasn’t been called up yet.
Planning on going to some Visalia games here in San Bernardino next week. Hoping Lawlar is off the IL by then.
After losing 110 games last year this season has already been an improvement. They were 20-45 this time last year and right now sit 5 games under .500. They aren’t a playoff team, or even a contender but they are trending in the right direction
In hindsight Luke Weaver and Carson Kelly for Paul Goldschmidt was a bad trade, not near as bad as Danby Swanson, if you wonder why they always suck