The Diamondbacks have made a change to their bullpen, adding RHP Rubby De La Rosa. De La Rosa had pitched 2015-16 with the Diamondbacks primarily as a starter, but with one Tommy John surgery and nearly needing a 2nd, he’s been pitching out of the bullpen this year. After getting non-tendered then re-signed on a Minor League deal after tearing his UCL last season, the Diamondbacks elected to use him strictly as a reliever.
After getting a platelet-rich plasma injection into the elbow, the arm responded well and RDLR was able to return to pitching duty on May 1st. After 3 rehab outings for Visalia, they team moved him up to Reno to bide time. With JJ Hoover struggling of late, the Diamondbacks certainly had a good reason to explore potential options with more upside. RDLR had a 2.35 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in 15 1⁄3 IP over 14 appearances for the Aces. As a starter he was consistently mid-90s, so a move to the bullpen could end up bumping his velocity to the upper 90s.
Hoover was the 25-man roster move, with the Diamondbacks placing him on the 10-Day DL for shoulder inflammation. Since May 28th, Hoover has given up 6 runs in 6 2⁄3 innings with batters putting up a .517 wOBA against and a K/BB of 9/8, but prior to then pitched to a 2.65 ERA, .307 wOBA against, and a 27/9 K/BB. A sudden drop in performance could be attributed to a possible injury, so the team is giving him time to rest and hope when he’s back that he pitches more like he did through May 24th.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Diamondbacks designated Oscar Hernandez for assignment. Hernandez was a Rule 5 pick for the Diamondbacks, known mostly for his glove instead of the bat. Unfortunately, the bat never developed as Hernandez hit .196/.245/.367 at the AA level the last two seasons. With three catchers already on the 40 and 25-man roster, there really isn’t a need for the team to use him during the season.