The Diamondbacks have added more depth to the bullpen, acquiring right-hander Dylan Floro from the Washington Nationals according to Arizona Sports insider and Burns and Gambo co-host John Gambadoro. Going to Washington is minor league third baseman Andrés Chaparro.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Dbacks acquire from the Nationals reliever Dylan Floro
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) July 30, 2024
Back on Friday, Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen suggested the team would look for more pitching at the deadline. Floro was one of six right-handers named in the article as possible trade candidates for Arizona.
Floro, 33, is an experienced right-hander with plenty of postseason experience with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins. He’s an experienced arm that can handle different roles, either as a middle reliever or a setup man. He has a career 3.24 ERA and 3.02 FIP in 381 career appearances. The deal for Floro likely cements Paul Sewald as the team’s closer.
Floro features a heavy, low-90s sinker, slider, and a changeup that all tunnel well with each other. Due to his heavy stuff, he features a career ground ball rate of 51.7% and is one of the best pitchers at avoiding barrels. His 2.0% rate ranks in the 99th percentile according to Statcast. While he doesn’t miss bats, with a 19.6% strikeout rate, his ability to miss barrels and limit free passes makes him a useful arm to add to the bullpen. Floro will be a free agent after the season.
The Nationals are playing the Diamondbacks this week, so reporting to Chase Field will not be an issue for the veteran right-hander. As the corresponding roster move, for both the active and 40-man rosters, struggling right-handed reliever Miguel Castro has been designated for assignment. In two seasons with Arizona, he appeared in 86 games. 75 of those games were in 2023, but his velocity has significantly dropped in 2024. He spent more than two months on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation.
Chaparro, 25, was a minor league free agent signing before the season and has played the entire season with Triple-A Reno. A corner infielder, he spent most of the season playing third base. In 95 games with Reno, he hit .332/.403/.564 with 19 home runs and 75 RBI. He posted solid strikeout and walk rates of 17.6% and 9.9% respectively. He could be an intriguing upside play for the Nati0nals, who lack any long-term solutions at either corner infield spot, if there is any staying power to these numbers.
Diamondbacks still seeking further pitching help at the trade deadline
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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
