Infielder Garrett Hampson is on track to make the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Opening Day roster following a procedural opt-out of his minor league spring deal.
Ildemaro Vargas was sent to minor league camp as a result on Sunday, the team announced. The two were battling for a utility role opened up by Kevin Newman’s departure to the Los Angeles Angels in the offseason as well as Blaze Alexander’s oblique strain suffered during spring training.
Right-hander John Curtiss and catcher Aramis Garcia were also sent to minor league camp, and southpaw Blake Walston was placed on the 60-day IL (left UCL sprain), leaving the Major League camp roster at 30 players.
Hampson has slashed .300/.396/.771 across 40 at-bats this spring with eight RBIs and three stolen bases. He also has a defensive reputation that can prove useful in the reserve role.
RELATED STORIES
ESPN's Gonzalez: Diamondbacks among 6 teams that can take down Dodgers
Corbin Burnes responds to Zac Gallen starting on Opening Day: 'Happy for him'
Corbin Burnes responds to Zac Gallen starting on Opening Day: 'Happy for him'
He opted out of the deal on Friday, as Saturday was the decision deadline for minor league spring deals. The contract provides room for players who impress in spring to land with other Major League clubs, rather than be sent down to the minors in case they don’t make the Opening Day roster.
Newman similarly returned to the team after a procedural opt-out before the 2024 season began.
Hampson, who played three games in the outfield in addition to spending most of his spring in the middle infield, and Vargas were both in the starting lineup for Saturday’s spring training game against the San Francisco Giants, and both reached base multiple times in the 7-7 tie.
Hampson was 1-for-2 with a walk and an RBI, scoring twice and manning centerfield defensively.
Vargas played at shortstop on Saturday and was 3-for-4 with an RBI, also scoring twice. He has slashed .375/.434/1.059 with two home runs and 10 RBIs in spring.
Opening Day between the D-backs and Chicago Cubs at Chase Field is on Thursday, when Zac Gallen will get the start.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Garrett Hampson appears to win Diamondbacks’ utility spot over Ildemaro Vargas )
Also on site :
- RFU open to hosting Chelsea at Twickenham if Stamford Bridge redevelopment goes ahead
- Fastest IPL Century: Vaibhav Suryavanshi fastest Indian to 100, trails only Chris Gayle
- Study of Over 865,000 Abortion-Pill Patients: 11% Suffer ‘Serious Adverse Events’