The Diamondbacks introduced that they’ve chosen the contract of left-hander Brandon Hughes. Fellow lefty Tommy Henry was optioned to Triple-A Reno to open an energetic roster spot. To get Hughes onto the 40-man, lefty Kyle Nelson was transferred to the 60-day injured listing.
Hughes, now 28, had a stable debut with the Cubs in 2022. He tossed 57 2/3 innings that 12 months with a 3.12 earned run common, placing out 28.5% of batters confronted whereas giving out walks at an 8.8% clip. He even moved right into a leverage position, securing eight saves and eight holds that 12 months.
However he discovered some struggles final 12 months, occurring and off the injured listing all through the season attributable to left knee irritation. He made simply 17 appearances with a bloated 7.24 ERA earlier than finally requiring surgical procedure in June. He underwent a debridement process on that left knee and wasn’t capable of return to the massive league membership within the ultimate months of the season.
The Cubs non-tendered Hughes on the finish of final 12 months and he landed with the Snakes on a minor league deal. He has been getting good ends in Triple-A up to now, with a 1.84 ERA by means of 14 2/3 innings for Reno. Nonetheless, these outcomes are despite subpar strikeout and stroll charges of 20% and 15%, respectively.
That is the second time Henry has been optioned, as he has been serving to the membership cowl for some rotation accidents, posting a 5.40 ERA in six begins. Him being optioned in the present day leaves the Diamondbacks with a rotation of Zac Gallen, Brandon Pfaadt, Jordan Montgomery and Slade Cecconi, whereas Eduardo Rodríguez, Merrill Kelly and Ryne Nelson are on the injured listing.
They may want a fifth starter however not straight away. They’ve an off-day on Thursday and one other on Monday, subsequently permitting them to make use of simply 4 starters till subsequent weekend, in the event that they so select. Supervisor Torey Lovullo mentioned that Ryne Nelson lately threw a sim recreation of 5 innings and 75 pitches, per Alex Weiner of AZSports. That maybe suggests he’s not far off from a return to the membership. However for now, Hughes will give Lovullo one other bullpen lefty alongside Joe Mantiply, Andrew Saalfrank and Logan Allen.
As for the opposite Nelson, Kyle was positioned on the 15-day injured listing per week in the past attributable to left shoulder irritation. It’s unclear how lengthy the membership expects him to be out of motion however this switch means he’s ineligible to be reinstated till mid-June.