The Diamondbacks have made a roster move ahead of the series finale against the Atlanta Braves. They’ve activated right-handed reliever Miguel Castro from the 15-day injured list and optioned right-handed starter Slade Cecconi to Triple-A Reno.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Today's #Dbacks roster moves. pic.twitter.com/t8u1Z1ndRJ
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) July 11, 2024
With Cecconi getting sent down in favor of Castro, the Diamondbacks will operate with a nine-man bullpen through the All-Star break. They will likely need to make a roster move coming out of the break when left-hander Jordan Montgomery is expected to return in 12-14 days. Arizona won’t need a fifth starting pitcher until July 23 at the latest.
Castro returns to the bullpen after missing 70 games with right shoulder inflammation. His sinker velocity was down 1.6 MPH compared to 2023, clocking in at 95.2 MPH compared to 96.8 MPH last season. He tried to pitch through it, but after eight appearances with a 5.19 ERA was shut down. He was placed on the injured list on April 23.
Arizona Sports radio host John Gambadoro reported last night that Cecconi would be optioned to Reno. That comes as no surprise, as the young right-hander has really struggled to provide consistent length. In only five of his 13 starts has he pitched beyond the fifth inning. Following his best start of the year against the Nationals on June 18, he has failed to clear the fifth inning in his next four starts.
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Michael McDermott covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @MichaelMcDMLB
