SCOTTSDALE — The Arizona Diamondbacks made a series of roster moves on Friday as they continue to narrow in on a 26-man team for Opening Day.
The D-backs optioned left-handed pitcher Tommy Henry, versatile infielder Grae Kessinger and outfielder Jorge Barrosa to Triple-A Reno.
Arizona also reassigned relievers Jeff Brigham, Jose Castillo and Juan Morillo, along with infielder Connor Kaiser and outfielder Cristian Pache to minor league camp.
The camp roster is down to 40 players as the regular season begins on March 27.
Jorge Barrosa on outside looking in with crowded outfield
RELATED STORIES
Making the case for Diamondbacks closer candidates as season nears
Josh Naylor, Eugenio Suarez balling for Diamondbacks in spring training
Barrosa represents the next line of defense for Arizona’s outfield as a stalwart defender who can play in all three spots. Also a switch-hitter, Barrosa looks the part of a valuable fourth outfielder for a team that already has five MLB-caliber outfielders on the roster to squeeze him out at this point.
The 24-year-old has hit well this spring, batting .320 with two doubles and a triple. He also threw out a base runner during Thursday’s game against the Athletics.
Barrosa made his MLB debut last season, playing eight big league games. Injuries limited his playing time somewhat in the minors, but he finished with a .781 OPS, nine home runs and 13 steals in 75 games with Reno.
“Of course, you don’t want to get hurt, when you lose time, it’s a little tough,” Barrosa told Arizona Sports last week. “But like, I feel like I did well. I feel like I could be better, for sure. It’s never enough for me. I want to be better, but I feel like it was a good year. My dream came true because I made my debut last year. Now I want to be able to stay in the big leagues.”
Barrosa and Pache both at least provide strong defensive options if injuries impact the D-backs’ outfield.
Diamondbacks’ infield battle narrows slightly
Friday’s moves whittle down the club’s race for the backup utility infielder with Kessinger and Kaiser out of the mix.
The Diamondbacks continue to evaluate non-roster invitees and spring standouts Ildemaro Vargas and Garrett Hampson for the role. Blaze Alexander is on the mend with an oblique strain, while top infield prospect Jordan Lawlar continues to showcase his value this spring.
Arizona claimed Kessinger on waivers from the Houston Astros this winter. He’s a glove-first versatile infielder with 49 games of major league experience (.456 OPS).
Tommy Henry optioned
Henry had an uphill — if not impossible — path to the fifth starter job with Brandon Pfaadt, Ryne Nelson and Jordan Montgomery vying for a rotation spot.
The 27-year-old provides value as a depth option in the upper minors who has pitched in 35 MLB games since 2022. He struggled last year with a 7.04 ERA in 38.1 big league innings after showing promise in 2023 with a 4.15 ERA in 89 inning before suffering a season-ending injury.
Henry pitched well down the stretch last year in Reno with a 3.18 ERA in his final 51 innings.
Brigham and Morillo have been impressive this spring while competing for bullpen roles as non-roster invitees, combining for 9.1 innings, one earned run and 12 strikeouts in Cactus League. Morillo has lit up the radar gun by consistently hitting triple digits while being able to locate.
“He’s throwing 100 mph fastballs and he’s commanding it. How can you not fall in love with that?” manager Torey Lovullo said on Thursday. “We’re not adrenaline or velo junkies. We like guys that can throw it where they need to and back it up with secondary stuff. He’s still in the middle of his progression, he got a little bit of a late start to get into games, but he’s been really impressive.”
Castillo has been mostly sidelined this spring with an adductor strain after turning heads early in camp, but he’s resumed throwing bullpen and can be a left-handed option after the season starts.
Follow @alexjweiner
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Diamondbacks option Jorge Barrosa, Tommy Henry in next round of roster cuts )
Also on site :