clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Nick Evans called back up, to replace Zeke Spruill, J.J. Putz released

Zeke Spruill's second stint with the Diamondbacks lasted no longer than the first, as the pitcher was once more returned to Reno after just one game. We say hello to Nick Evans, called up for another stint, likely to be spent mostly on our bench.

By Jim McLennan
Dustin Bradford

Spruill's tenure was expected to be short, being brought up from Reno to give the bullpen a breather, after their ten-inning effort on Tuesday night against the Indians. Having done his job, working four innings of mop-up work against Cleveland the following night, he was returned whence he came. A position player replaces him, since the team made room for Spruill on the roster by putting backup-backup catcher Jordan Pacheco on the DL.

Evans's previous stint with the team last from his call-up on May 28, until he was designated for assignment on June 12, having received just 11 plate-appearances over that time, going 1-for-11 with the sole hit being a home-run against the Rockies on June 3. Looks like Evans cleared waivers (despite claims from some quarters that teams would be queuing up for his services), as he has been playing for the Aces again over the past couple of weeks, going 13-for-28 with a line of .464/.583/.571, and an impressive 1.155 OPS since his return. However, three things should be mentioned. 1) It's Reno. 2) He has a .542 BABIP over that time, and 3) Did I mention it's Reno?

Still, don't expect to see much of him. Evans will probably end up getting about the same playing time as Pacheco, which was zero starts and eight PAs in the two weeks between being selected off waivers from the Rockies on June 12, and sent to the DL on June 25. Such is the life of the man sitting at the very back of the roster bus.

Also, the team has officially parted ways with J.J. Putz according to our transactions page. Somewhat surprised there was no trade worked out for him, but he is now a free-agent and able to sign with any other team. The Diamondbacks remain on the hook for the remaining salary due Putz this season, which is about $3.9 million. Curious to see where he ends up, and how he performs. It was definitely not something I think many people saw coming before the season, that Putz would be gone entirely before June was out.

More From AZ Snake Pit