The Diamondbacks have officially reinstated left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery from the 15-day injured list. As the corresponding roster move, right-hander Humberto Castellanos has been optioned to Triple-A Reno. Arizona now has a five starters and eight relievers on their active roster.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Today's #Dbacks roster moves. pic.twitter.com/C2P4E3PKZq
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) July 23, 2024
It was reported on Monday that Montgomery was in the Diamondbacks clubhouse when the team arrived in Kansas City, indicating he was on track to start against the Royals on Tuesday. The left-hander missed 21 days with right knee inflammation, after feeling discomfort during his bullpen session on June 29.
The Diamondbacks will need Montgomery to quickly round into his 2023 form to keep them in the Wild Card hunt. Brandon Pfaadt and Ryne Nelson have stepped up to give quality starts for the team while the team has dealt with injuries in the rotation. Gallen missed four weeks with a right hamstring strain, Merrill Kelly has been out for three months, and Eduardo RodrÃguez has yet to throw a pitch for Arizona during the regular season.
The team’s plans at the deadline could very well be determined by how the rotation operates over the next week plus how Kelly and RodrÃguez continue to progress. It’s unlikely they target the rental market given both pitchers are set to return in the next couple of weeks, but Hazen never ruled out trading for a more controllable starter if one becomes available.
Castellanos served as a useful innings-eater out of the bullpen. He also performed well in an emergency appearance against the San Diego Padres on July 6, recording his first career save in a dire situation for the team. His 5.23 ERA looks unsightly, but five of the six runs he allowed came in a disastrous appearance on June 7, when he allowed five runs in 2 1/3 innings against the Padres.
Due to being on an optional assignment, Castellanos will not be eligible to be recalled to the major league roster until August 7 unless to replace an injured player.
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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
