The Diamondbacks last night announced they optioned reliever Silvino Bracho to AAA after a 34-pitch outing. With Bracho unavailable, the team was probably looking at adding a bullpen arm, particular one who could deliver a longer outing for them. The answer to that question is recalling Braden Shipley from AAA Reno. Today would have been his day to pitch for the Aces, so Shipley can give the Dbacks as many innings as they need from him today.
The Diamondbacks used their long reliever, Randall Delgado, for a 5-inning start on Sunday and he threw 75 pitches. With Delgado unable to go until the weekend, Shipley makes sense as a 2nd long reliever in an 8-man bullpen. The middle relievers are a bit gassed from the Phillies series with the bullpen pitching 10 innings in the last two days. If the Diamondbacks were to have a short start from Walker, Godley, or Ray against the Cardinals, the bullpen is in better shape to eat up innings.
Shipley’s stint probably will last as long as AJ Pollock is still on the DL with his groin injury from May. In other news, Oscar Hernandez was able to clear outright waivers and was outrighted to AA Jackson.