Aug. 29: Devenski has been released, according to his transactions tracker at MLB.com.
Aug. 26: The Diamondbacks have designated right-hander Chris Devenski for assignment, per a team announcement. His spot on the active roster will go to righty Reyes Moronta, whom the D-backs claimed off waivers earlier this week.
Devenski, 31, was once one of the American League’s best relievers, dominating with the Astros in 2016-17 and earning the nickname “The Dragon” as he ripped through opposing lineups with lofty strikeout totals and tidy walk rates. Injuries have taken their toll in the seasons since, however, and he’s managed just 21 2/3 Major League frames dating back to the 2020 season.
That includes 10 2/3 innings with the Snakes in 2022, during which time he’s been tagged for nine runs on 14 hits and a walk with nine punchouts. After seeing his average fastball velocity dip to a career-worst 91.5 mph in 2021, Devenski did restore some zip on that heater in 2022, averaging 93.9 mph. That’s roughly in line with the velocity from his peak, but the right-hander’s swinging-strike and opponents’ chase rates are nowhere near his heyday, and he’s allowed hard contact in droves during this year’s small sample. Opponents have posted a 91.8 mph average exit velocity against him, and 51.4% of the balls put into play against Devenski have been hit at 95 mph or harder.
The Diamondbacks will have a week to place Devenski on outright waivers or release him, now that this year’s trade deadline has passed.
Uhhh misclick… they meant to drop mark melencon
uhh, no kidding
Thank goodness.
Are you a Tribe fan? Why are you happy
I think he has D-Backs sympathies.
But anyhow Devenski is yet another of those failing reclamation projects Mike Hazen has been running out. Man has tossed way too much innings. Guys like Lemieux, Ginkel and Frias should have thrown his innings and show what they can and see if they can become part of the team’s backbone.
I used to be a Tribe fan. I am now a full time Diamondbacks fan.
Sufferforsnakes
I’ll consider it.
🙂
There now you are more username accurate
Welcome to the D-backs fan club… your ahead of the curve. The D-backs figure to grow their fan base over the next few years as the young, athletic, aggressive D-backs start competing for playoff spots.
Did some bat boy work in 2019 spring training. One of the more memorable conversations I had with a player was with Devenski. He’s a good guy. I hate his career got derailed.
In his astros run i don’t think i ever heard this dragon nickname. He was always Devo. My favorite moment regarding him was when Miles Straw pulled of a perfect replica of his windup & delivery. Still makes me laugh.
There was even a stadium giveaway of a Devenski/Game of Thrones Dragon giveaway (one of the cooler ones imo).
Dback’s bullpen is still their Achilles Heel, especially the lack of a true, dependable closer. Overall, the bullpen is slightly better than 2021’s disastrous bullpen, but still about 25th rank in MLB, so not good.
As a Dodger fan I liked Moronta. He doesn’t look like an athlete, but he was pretty agile and when he is on he’s great.