The Diamondbacks announced a number of roster moves heading into tonight’s matchup against the Pirates. Arizona selected corner outfielder Dominic Canzone and recalled reliever Justin Martinez from Triple-A Reno. Outfielder Dominic Fletcher was optioned, while reliever Drey Jameson landed on the 15-day injured list with elbow inflammation. To clear a 40-man roster spot for Canzone, the Snakes designated lefty Konnor Pilkington for assignment.
Canzone, 25, reaches the majors for the first time. Arizona selected the lefty-swinging outfielder in the eighth round of the 2019 draft out of Ohio State. He has consistently posted big numbers in the minors but progressed relatively slowly up the ladder. He first reached Double-A late in 2021 and got to the Triple-A level for the first time last season.
Baseball America ranked him the #25 prospect in the D-Backs’ system over the winter. The outlet praised his power upside and statistical track record but suggested some scouts have expressed trepidations about his hit tool and athleticism. Canzone has continued to post excellent numbers over the past few months, hitting .354/.431/.634 with 16 home runs through 304 trips to the plate.
Even in an extremely hitter-friendly environment in Reno, Canzone’s production stands out. He’s walking at a 12.8% clip and has only struck out 13.2% of the time. Among Pacific Coast League hitters, he ranks eighth in on-base percentage and tops the circuit in slugging. He’ll add some short-term outfield depth with Corbin Carroll day-to-day after reinjuring his shoulder last night.
Canzone isn’t the only Diamondback hoping to make his MLB debut. This is Martinez’s second promotion, but he was optioned a few days after his first without appearing in a game. The 21-year-old righty has a 3.77 ERA over 31 innings in Reno. He replaces Jameson in the relief corps for now.
The D-Backs acquired Pilkington in a cash transaction from the Guardians in May. The 25-year-old has spent his entire time in the organization on optional assignment to Reno. Over 11 starts there, he’s been tagged for a 9.53 ERA with a below-average 18% strikeout rate and a huge 16.1% walk percentage.
Pilkington tossed 58 innings for the Guardians last summer. He posted a decent 3.88 ERA but with worse than average strikeout and walk numbers over his initial MLB look. The Mississippi State product has struggled at the Triple-A level but posted a 3.04 ERA in 100 2/3 Double-A frames. Arizona will trade him or put him on waivers within a week.
What did Fletcher do wrong?
His name is Dominic. Enough said.
Dom2,
Did you happen to notice that his replacement is also named Dominic?
Looks like you could be a Dominic too?
Exactly, Dom2 knows what scumbags people named Dominic can be.
Trusted news from the source.
You’re not Dominic Cohen are you?
No, I’m Scott Cohen. As I’m sure you know, us Scotts take the scumbag silver just below Kyles.
Hi Scott, I’m not a Scott, it’s where I live.
Nice try, Scott.
Great Scott!
Rxbrgr, Nothing. The two Dominic’s are among the top trade chips for the Dbacks at the trade deadline. I suspect they are both being showcased. Fletcher has proven himself in the minors and in small sample size majors time. Dbacks are hoping Canzone will do the same in a small sample size stint before the Trade Deadline.
This is funny for me, because I was literally just talking about him with Mariner fans yesterday (twitter, and notes on the blog), suggesting he would be a great player for Seattle to target. The guy has done everything you could possibly ask of him. He earned this promotion.
I was wondering if he was blocked. Arizona has all kinds of lefty-hitting outfielders.
Stevil.
Yes he is blocked by 7 lefthanded hitting OF: Carroll, McCarthy, Thomas, Pavin Smith, Dominic Fletcher, Jorge Barrosa and Josh Rojas (before he was moved to the infield only this year)
Canzone also plays some 1b, but he is blocked there by Christian Walker, Pavin Smith, Emmanuel Rivera, and Lourdes Gurriel, Jr.
Canzone has proven himself all through the minors, and is absolutely raking at hitter friendly AAA Reno. He makes sense as a trade piece for the Dbacks given their depth in the OF and at 1b.
I know, that’s the point! I was surprised he was called up, because it required a roster move. Not to mention Fletcher wasn’t doing that bad since he was recalled. Wasn’t hitting for ppwer, but he was giving them good PAs.
It’s not just Reno that’s hitter-friendly, it’s the entire PCL. But Canzone was handling breaking balls and off-speed stuff just as well as fastballs.
Lot to like, even if he’s a tad old for the league.
The big questions are Corbin Carroll’s shoulder health and Justin Martinez’ readiness for the big leagues. Hope the answers are positives for both issues.
I didn’t see the game last night, but in looking at the box score, I noted Corbin got five ABs so that’s great news. Martinez’ line looked bad in his one inning of work. I’m hopeful it was just first game jitters.
Finally got rid of Pilkington. Good riddance.
Now looking forward to seeing what the Buckeye Canzone can do!
Canzone is already almost 26 but he has really improved this year with his plate discipline. 13% walks and Ks is really good.
We have to wait and see with the power though.16 Homers so far is nice but those Arizona minor league parks are extreme launching pads while their mlb park in contrast to a couple years ago plays more neutral due to the humidor.
He could be a 20 Homer guy but he also could be a 9 Homer guy which is more like 5th outfielder.we will see when we get batted ball data.