Roster moves
The Arizona Diamondbacks made the following roster moves. The D-backs’ 40-man roster is at 39.
Selected from Triple-A Reno: Christian Montes De Oca (No. 59)
Recalled from Reno: RHP Scott McGough
Optioned to Reno following Wednesday’s game: LHP Joe Mantiply
Placed on the 15-day Injured List: LHP Eduardo Rodriguez, retro. to May 15 (left shoulder inflammation)
There was some suggestion Justin Martinez might come off the IL, but looks like he is not quite there yet. Instead, we get the MLB debut of Christian Mountains of Goose. He has performed very well (small sample size) down in Triple-A, where he has posted a 2.37 ERA over 19 innings of work, with a K:BB of 17:4. Of particular note, CMDO has allowed just one home-run to the 73 batters he has faced. Which, considering where he’s pitching, is either very lucky or he’s been throwing bowling balls up there. But he also had a good run in the Dominican Winter League, giving up just an unearned run in nine innings, striking out ten while walking just one.
The fanbase got what they wanted, with Mantiply being sent down. But this might be a case of, “be careful what you wish for,” because coming back up is fan favorite [add sarcasm to that phrase as you feel appropriate] McGough. It’s a result of the unexpected departure from the starting rotation of Rodriguez, and I would imagine is probably going to mean an extra bullpen arm for a couple of days, until his spot comes up in the rotation. Between that and the potential return of Martinez after the weekend (he’s scheduled to throw in an Arizona Complex game tomorrow), these could be short stays for both relievers added today. With the day off yesterday, Arizona could hold out until Tuesday for a fifth starter. Seems likely to be Ryne Nelson, according to Torey Lovullo pre-game today.
It’s the first time we see the Rockies this year, and even by previous low standards – Colorado hasn’t reached 75 wins since 2018 – this team has been bad. They’re on pace to allow 1,036 runs this year, which would be the most in the National League since 1930 (the Phillies that year somehow conceded one short of twelve hundred runs, posting a team ERA of 6.71). In the close to a century since then, the 1999 Rockies are the only NL side to give up a thousand runs. I’m definitely hoping the D-backs will finish the weekend with three more wins than they have right now. Anything less than that would be… well, if not a disaster, certainly very disappointing.