D-backs recall Matt Stites from Triple-A Reno; Option Allen Webster to Reno

Stites, 25, went 0-1 with 3 saves and a 3.00 ERA (3 ER in 9.0 IP) in 9 appearances with the Aces after beginning the season on the 15-day disabled list (right elbow inflammation). He was reinstated from the disabled list on June 1 and optioned to Reno. In 37 games with Arizona last season, he posted a 5.73 ERA (21 ER in 33.0 IP) and 26 strikeouts. Webster, 25, went 1-1 with a 7.11 ERA (15 ER in 19.0 IP) in 4 starts for the D-backs. He did not factor in the decision in last night's 10-6 win vs. Dodgers. He won his D-backs debut on June 13 @ Giants, after opening with 5.1 no-hit innings.

That's interesting. The team will still need someone for Saturday's outing against the Rockies at Chase Field: it does not yet appear Patrick Corbin is ready to return, with the word being that he will have one more rehab start before making his return to the rotation. So, will there be a further roster move to handle that requirement - with Stites being more of a temporary bullpen arm for the rest of the week? Or is the team going to take the same approach as they have previously, with Daniel Hudson "starting" and the rest of the bullpen piecing it together from there? Off-days next week on Monday and Thursday could help, if they go the latter route.

I did like Webster's attitude after the game last night, where he was perfectly open about needing to command his fastball better. There's no doubt that has been the problem: a K:BB ratio of 14:12 illustrates that. But he did also show flashes of being a ground-ball generating machine, with a GO/AO ratio of 1.65, almost 50% above MLB average. That kind of thing would play well in Chase, so be nice if he could figure out how to throw strikes. Meanwhile, Stites will get his first shot out of the bullpen this year, having had his share of issues last year. I'm not expecting high-leverage and, as noted, his stay could be relatively short.