Returning after a full bullpen game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Arizona Diamondbacks have made a roster alteration before the series finale.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Diamondbacks announced that LHP Blake Walston was recalled from Triple-A Reno while Andrew Saalfrank was optioned down.
The #Dbacks made the following roster moves. pic.twitter.com/O97KwuBVDi
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) May 1, 2024
Walston has been associated with the D-backs organization since the 2019 MLB Draft where he was selected in the first round (26th overall). In five games (four starts) with Reno this season, the 22-year-old has pitched 20 2/3 innings, throwing 19 strikeouts and owning a 4.79 ERA.
With the Reno Aces in Las Vegas facing the Aviators, Walston learned of his call up in a memorable manner. He recalled being at a blackjack table when he heard the news, remarking, “I didn’t mind losing that hand.”
Now with his first promotion to the Diamondbacks, he will have the opportunity to make his MLB debut after spending five seasons in the minors.
Welcome to the Show, Blake! ???? pic.twitter.com/k6ksDwDQnN
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) May 1, 2024
As for Saalfrank, he will be heading back to Reno after a short stint back up with Arizona. The Indiana native made 10 appearances for the Diamondbacks last year and had a perfect 0.00 ERA paired with six strikeouts. Starting with the Aces this season, Saalfrank was called up recently and struggled in two games, having a 36.00 ERA in just one inning of work.
With Walston now on the D-backs roster, he gives the team yet another option in a bullpen that is missing some of it’s best arms. On Arizona’s injured list, the Diamondbacks are currently without Kyle Nelson (shoulder), Paul Sewald (oblique), Luis Frias (shoulder), Drey Jameson (elbow) and Miguel Castro (shoulder).
At Chase Field, the Diamondbacks and Dodgers clash at 6:40 p.m. PT tonight.
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Alec Cipollini covers Phoenix Sports News for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini
