The Arizona Diamondbacks continue to be active as the MLB trade deadline approaches, looking to further bolster their bullpen. Despite already securing left-handed reliever A.J. Puk in a trade with the Miami Marlins, the team is reportedly pursuing a right-handed relief pitcher, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.
“The Arizona Diamondbacks, who have already added lefty A.J. Puk, are looking to acquire a righty reliever as well,” Rosenthal reported.
The reigning National League champions made headlines by trading top prospects Deyvison De Los Santos and Andrew Pintar for Puk, a 29-year-old left-hander. Puk, who had a rough start to the season as a starter, has excelled as a reliever, posting a 1.95 ERA with 37 strikeouts in 32 1/3 innings since April. His first two appearances with Arizona were impressive, featuring two scoreless innings and four strikeouts, hinting at a promising future with the team.
Arizona, fresh off a deep postseason run in 2023, currently holds a 55-51 record, putting them in contention for a wild card spot in the National League. The team’s offense, led by Christian Walker, Ketel Marte, Joc Pederson, and Corbin Carroll, has been strong, ranking second in the league with 4.97 runs scored per game.
However, the Diamondbacks’ pitching has been a weak point. The team’s 4.50 ERA ranks as the fifth worst in baseball, with starters Jordan Montgomery (6.11 ERA), Slade Cecconi (6.14), and Tommy Henry (7.04) struggling, along with relievers Scott McGough (7.33), Logan Allen (5.46), and Joe Mantiply (4.19). Even closer Paul Sewald has faced difficulties, allowing 10 earned runs in 9.2 innings in July and blowing four saves in 11 games.
Given these struggles, it’s clear that the Diamondbacks need to strengthen their bullpen. Several right-handed relievers are available, including Athletics’ Lucas Erceg, who, like Puk, has multiple years of club control remaining. Veteran closer Kirby Yates of the Rangers is another potential target, boasting a 1.21 ERA, 0.938 WHIP, and 18 saves in 37.1 innings pitched this season. The Rangers have already traded starter Michael Lorenzen to the Royals, so a deal involving Yates or other relievers like David Robertson, Jose Urena, or Jose Leclerc is plausible.
As the trade deadline nears, the Diamondbacks remain active, with A.J. Puk likely just the beginning of their bullpen upgrades.
Leave a Reply