Moving day?
Roster moves
The Arizona Diamondbacks made the following roster moves. The D-backs’ 40-man roster is at 40.
- Signed as a Major League free agent: RHP Jake Woodford (No. 41)
- Optioned to Triple-A Reno following last night’s game: RHP Juan Morillo
- Designated for assignment: LHP Kyle Nelson
The 28-year-old Woodford will be in his sixth year in the majors, having originally been a 1st-round pick (#39 overall) by the Cardinals in the 2015 draft. He made his debut for them in the 2020 season, but was let go at the end of 2023, after posting a 4.29 start across 80 games (18 starts, 62 relief appearances). Last year, he saw action with both the White Sox and Pittsburgh, and this year, bounced around between the Rockies, Yankees and Cubs, without seeing MLB action. However, the D-backs’ offer of a major-league contract allowed him to exercise an opt-out with the Cubs, and here he is, back in the majors. He’ll likely join Disco in long relief, helping out given the D-backs’ starters tendencies to go short of late.
Despite Morillo’s melt-down against the Giants on Monday, it’s a little bit of surprise he is the one giving up his roster spot. He has a 4.01 ERA for the year, and a slightly-better FIP at 3.80. He has struck out just over a batter per inning (25 in 24.2 innings), though has struggled with his control, walking 13. He’s a bit like early versions of Justin Martinez, and that comparison extends to Morillo’s velocity. Indeed, his average fastball of 99.0 mph is actually a whole click above Martinez’s average in 2024. Though Morillo’s peak of 100.8 is below Martinez’s (102.4), the latter won’t exactly be throwing anything for a while. I’ve a feeling we will likely see Morillo back on the roster before long.
Equally a surprise was the decision to DFA Kyle Nelson. He had put up a 3.47 ERA across three seasons since being selected off waivers from Cleveland, and appeared in three World Series games for Arizona in 2023. He missed much of 2024 after thoracic outlet surgery, and the road back has been rough. He has an 8.47 ERA in Triple-A, with a wobbly K:BB of 12:8 across 17 innings there. We wish him all the best. Meanwhile, a win in tonight’s game could see the D-backs rise up the wild-card standings. The Reds already lost once and are playing the Red Sox again tonight, so defeat there would allow Arizona to leapfrog them with a win, and sit just half a game back of the Giants.