Before the series opener against the Pirates, there were quite a few pitching updates. Beyond just the roster moves, manager Torey Lovullo gave updates on some injured pitchers.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reported that left-hander Eduardo Rodríguez was in the Diamondbacks clubhouse, indicating he was returning on the road trip. Burns and Gambo co-host and Arizona Sports insider John Gambadoro added that Rodríguez will start Tuesday against the Cleveland Guardians.
Eduardo Rodriguez expected to start Tuesday against the Guardians in Cleveland.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) August 2, 2024
Merrill Kelly, who is about one start behind Rodríguez, will embark on a rehab assignment with High-A Hillsboro on Tuesday according to MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert. Assuming that goes well, he’s an option to be brought back on the next homestand. Kelly said he wanted to be back before the nine-game, three-series road trip through Miami, Tampa Bay, and Boston back in June.
The Diamondbacks will have to make some tough decisions with their starting rotation. Ryne Nelson has pitched well since the start of June, with a 3.60 ERA that leads the rotation over that stretch. While Nelson was on the outside looking in for a spot until injuries struck, he’s made the most of his current opportunity and should be left in there while he’s hot.
Bryce Jarvis was placed on the 15-day injured list with a sprained right elbow, which is never good news. Lovullo indicated that surgery is currently not an option, as that would knock him out for the entire 2025 season as well. It’s one of those situations where he can afford a rehab attempt, although if it doesn’t respond well, he’ll have to make a decision by October 1. That was a similar timeline that Drey Jameson operated under last season, electing to undergo Tommy John surgery in late September.
The natural candidate to step into Jarvis’ vacated role is Slade Cecconi. Despite failing to hold a rotation spot as a starter this season, he has shown the ability to handle lineups well the first time through. Cecconi has the stuff to keep hitters off balance with good command and strike-throwing ability, so he’s a natural fit as a guy who eats up some innings.
Paul Sewald has been removed from the closer role, but the Diamondbacks are better equipped to handle such a move when they probably weren’t a week ago. A.J. Puk and Kevin Ginkel are the natural candidates to get a look, as both have had an extended look at the role in the last couple seasons. Ryan Thompson, who saved Wednesday’s game, is another option although given he’s pitched most of the season in the eighth inning it might not be the best move.
Torey Lovullo removes Paul Sewald from closer role following struggles
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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
