With Jordan Montgomery placed on the 15-day injured list, the Diamondbacks have a massive hole in their rotation. However, they’ve already indicated who they plan to call on to replace Montgomery in the rotation, with right-hander Cristian Mena already reported to be in the clubhouse by Arizona Sports’ Alex Weiner. Mena will be on the team’s taxi squad for Tuesday, but could be in line to start on Wednesday.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Cristian Mena is in the Diamondbacks’ clubhouse
— Alex Weiner (@alexjweiner) July 2, 2024
Mena, 21, was originally acquired by Arizona in a trade with the Chicago White Sox in February. He’s made 16 starts with Triple-A Reno, with a 4.9o ERA and an 89-to-38 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 82 2/3 innings. Between his end-of-season stint in Triple-A with the White Sox last season and the start of 2024, he has 21 career starts in the highest level of the minor leagues. Major League Baseball ranks him as the No. 11 prospect in the Diamondbacks system.
Mena features the full pitch mix of a four-seam fastball, curveball, slider, and a changeup. The four-seamer averages 93.1 MPH, and he’s willing to use all his secondary pitches. His ability to command a full four-pitch mix with average or better grades on all four pitches gives him the profile of a potential mid-rotation starter in the future.
Montgomery’s rotation spot is due again on Wednesday. Mena last pitched on June 26, putting him on track to start on six days’ rest when that spot comes up. Since he was not part of the team’s roster moves on Tuesday, it’s likely he’ll be used as a starter instead of a long reliever. The Diamondbacks have an open spot on their 40-man roster, so getting him on there is a formality, but Tuesday’s game vs. the Dodgers could decide what the active roster move will be.
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo was asked about Mena potentially making that start on Wednesday and here’s what he said to say, with the video posted on X by PHNX Diamondbacks.
“It’s probably one of those really terrible secrets that we’re trying to keep from everybody. He’s here and we feel like if it does come up tomorrow, he deserves the opportunity. He’s continuing to grow and learn, he’s a young starting pitcher, he’s had a lot of really good moments. We feel like he can change speeds, work the ball around the zone, and follow a game plan.”
Torey Lovullo on Cristian Mena potentially making his big league debut tomorrow:
"Mena's on the taxi squad, and it's probably one of those really terrible secrets that we're trying to keep from everybody.
"If that does come up tomorrow, he deserves the opportunity." pic.twitter.com/GIrQPps3ek
— PHNX Diamondbacks (@PHNX_Dbacks) July 3, 2024
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Michael McDermott covers the Arizona Diamondbacks and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @MichaelMcDMLB
