The D-backs take a gamble on another bullpen arm [Sorry…]
Roster moves
The Arizona Diamondbacks made the following roster moves. The D-backs’ 40-man roster is at 40.
- Recalled from Triple-A Reno: LHP Andrew Saalfrank
- Optioned to Triple-A Reno following last night’s game: RHP Bryce Jarvis
It’s amazing to think that, almost the last time we saw Saalfrank pitch at the major-league level, was in the 2023 World Series against the Rangers, in which he appeared in three of the five games. It was remarkable, considering he had only made his major-league debut less than two months previously. Indeed, he had still to allow his first earned run when he was named to the D-backs playoff roster, a scoreless streak that continued through both the Wild-card and Division Series. At the end of the campaign, his rookie status was still intact for the following year, and he had actually appeared in more post-season games (11) than regular season ones (10) – not many players could say that.
Then there was 2024, which… Yeah, “sucked” would be putting it mildly for Saalfrank. He appeared in just two games for the D-backs, and the second was a disaster, throwing nine strikes in twenty-four pitches, retiring one of five batters faced, with the other four all scoring. [Apparently, he already knew he was under investigation, which can’t have helped] He was sent down to the minors, and did not return that year. Things got worse on June 4, when he was banned for a year by MLB, for betting on games. We aren’t talking huge wagers – less than $500 in total – and he wasn’t good at it either, winning only 5 of his 28 MLB bets. But the rules are extremely clear on the topic.
He was sent into the wilderness as a result, came back last month, had a couple of rehab games in the ACL, and then went back to the Aces. The results have not exactly screamed for a recall. Over 11.1 innings for Reno, he has allowed nine runs, a 7.15 ERA. Admittedly, he has been getting people out, holding opposing hitters to a .162 average, with fourteen strikeouts. The problem has been the walks – approaching one per inning, at ten of those. It wasn’t a case of being rusty when he came off the restricted list either. Six of those free passed came in his last two outings for Reno. But here he is. Will he be any good? Place your bets. Ok, let’s get all the gambling jokes out of our system tonight, shall we?