PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks weren’t done making waves on Thursday, as recent news came out that they will be optioning Kevin Ginkel to Triple-A Reno.
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Arizona D-Backs players surround Kevin Ginkel (37) as he pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Chase Field in Phoenix, on May 27, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Earlier today, news came out that top prospect Jordan Lawlar will be heading back to the minor leagues, and now Kevin Ginkel will be making the trip with him. Ginkel so far on the 2025 season has a 12.60 ERA and 2.10 WHIP in 13 appearances and 10 innings pitched. Not only does it look like he has lost all of his command with his fastball, but his fired-up mentality is nowhere to be found as well. In his last appearance on Tuesday, Ginkel only was able to pitch 0.1 innings while giving up five earned runs on four hits in a loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
According to @nickpiecoro the #Dbacks have optioned Kevin Ginkel who has pitched to a 12.60 ERA this season. They are calling up reliever Jeff Brigham in his place.
— Aaron Hughes (@AaronrHughes) May 29, 2025
Ginkel started his 2025 season on the IL while he dealt with a shoulder injury, and ever since returning, he hasn’t been the same. A stint in Reno where Ginkel can focus on his mechanics and get back into a groove would be massive moving forward for a ball club that cannot seem to find an answer to its bullpen problems.
May 27, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona D-Backs pitcher Kevin Ginkel against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Getting called up:
Right-handed pitcher, Jeff Brigham will be getting the call-up to the majors in a corresponding move. Brigham so far in Triple-A Reno has a 5.23 ERA and has 32 strikeouts over 20.2 innings. The 33-year-old comes to the D-Backs after multiple seasons with the Miami Marlins and a year with the New York Mets in 2023. Arizona signed Brigham back in December to a minor league contract that included an invitation to spring training.
Aug 30, 2023; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets pitcher Jeff Brigham (43) reacts to getting an inning ending double play during the tenth inning against the Texas Rangers at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
The D-Backs are looking for any answers to these issues that are detrimental to the progress of this ball club, and it starts with addressing the bullpen.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
