Comparing the D-backs bullpen from Opening Day to today ...Middle East

Just two years removed from a World Series appearance, the Arizona Diamondbacks have struggled mightily to return to that form. One of their biggest problems since that run: Lackluster bullpen performances.

The D-backs have one of the weakest bullpens in the league this season. The team has the fourth-worst bullpen ERA at 5.28, having given up 131 earned runs and a WHIP of 1.45. It’s costed them 12 blown saves, tied for third-most in the league.

Arizona’s rough start to the year continued over the weekend after getting swept by the Reds in their most recent away series. In two of those three games, the Diamondbacks had an early lead only to give up runs in the latter innings, securing Reds victories.

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The Diamondbacks, like many teams, have managed the regular roster turnover this season. But their bullpen has lost bodies and not gotten stability.

They have four new faces since Opening Day, two key backend players who have struggled for separate reasons and another reliever who has shifted in and out of the bullpen to spot-start because of injuries.

“If I were to sit before you and say that Kevin Ginkel would be in the minor leagues and Joe Mantiply would’ve been DFA’d on June 9, I would’ve said you’re crazy,” manager Torey Lovullo said. “That is just the nature of the game. It’s competitive, and if you don’t do your job, there are people that are ready to take your position.”

Let’s take a look at whom the Diamondbacks planned to roll with on Opening Day as we’re 65 games into the regular season.

Opening Day Bullpen (lost players in bold)

Bullpen as of June 9 (new players in bold)

Rostered Opening Day players currently not in the bullpen

LHP A.J. Puk

Puk looked promising in eight games through mid-April until a left elbow injury placed him on the 60-day IL. Puk carried a 3.38 ERA with four saves and a 1.25 WHIP prior to his injury. Puk recently began his throwing program in May and is eligible to come off the IL in the back half of June.

LHP Joe Mantiply

The Diamondbacks optioned Mantiply to Triple-A Reno after rocky performances through April. He was recalled in May but ultimately never found his form. In eight games, Mantiply posted a 15.95 ERA with seven strikeouts and a 3.00 WHIP. Mantiply was a 2022 All-Star and a starter in bullpen games during the 2023 World Series run.

RHP Bryce Jarvis

Jarvis shared similar struggles to Mantiply this season, posting a 7.36 ERA with nine strikeouts in six appearances. Jarvis, in his third season with the D-backs, had a promising first season with the team and a breakout year in 2024 before an elbow sprain ended his season. Jarvis was recently named the Pacific Coast League Player of the Week following a dominant start for Reno.

In and out of the bullpen for different reasons

RHP Justin Martinez — Injury

Martinez, known for his game-changing velocity and splitter, was also a victim of the bullpen injury bug as he missed most of May with right shoulder inflammation. There was a notable drop in Martinez’s velocity, which prompted the team to take caution for one of their best relievers and place him on the 15-day IL. He ultimately found his heat on a rehab assignment.

The injury was unfortunate timing for Martinez as he hadn’t given up an earned run nearly a month into the season. He had a 2.70 ERA prior to being placed on the IL. Lovullo said Martinez’s return was uplifting and that he will be used on the back end of the bullpen going forward.

RHP Ryne Nelson — Spot starts

Nelson, who had come into this season as a reliever after losing out on a starter role, has found himself in a difficult position moving in and out of the bullpen. He has started four games for the team following injuries to Eduardo Rodriguez and the recent loss of Corbin Burnes. Nelson was performing solidly as a spot-starter before his most recent outing against the Reds on Saturday, giving up seven runs.

Overall, he has a 2-2 record and holds a 4.60 ERA in 14 games and 45.0 innings pitched.

RHP Kevin Ginkel — Injury and poor performance

While not on the Opening Day roster due to shoulder inflammation, Ginkel started the season with the expectation to provide stability as a setup man. Ginkel, who is one of the longest-tenured players on the Diamondbacks and a key member during their World Series run, made his first appearance at the end of April and struggled heavily to find his form since then.

He was optioned to Triple-A at the end of May, but the team hopes that he can return to his past form after some time off from the majors. Ginkel has a 12.60 ERA in 13 games for the Diamondbacks this season.

RHP Kendall Graveman — Multiple injuries

Kendall Graveman started the season on the Diamondbacks’ 15-day IL list because of a back issue and didn’t make his season debut until May 13.

Since then, he’d performed well, but an ugly game against the Reds on Saturday inflated him to an 8.64 ERA with a 2.28 WHIP in nine games.

Graveman on Monday was placed on the 15-day IL due to a right hip impingement.

New additions to the Diamondbacks’ bullpen

LHP Kyle Backhus

Lefty Kyle Backhus was called up from Triple-A Reno on Sunday and threw a 1-2-3 inning in his debut. Backhus had an excellent Triple-A campaign, recording a 2.22 ERA with a 1.44 WHIP and 36 strikeouts to 10 walks. The team will hope that Backhus’ success can translate as he transitions to the big leagues.

RHP Jeff Brigham

Brigham was called up on May 30 to replace Ginkel. Brigham is a league veteran who had 90 MLB appearances between the Mets and the Marlins. He has appeared in three games for the Diamondbacks since being called up and has yet to give up a run.

RHP Christian Montes De Oca

Montes De Oca has been recalled from Triple-A Reno due to the injury of Graveman. He made his MLB debut on Saturday against the Reds, pitching 2.2 innings without giving up a hit while also registering two strikeouts.

RHP Juan Morillo

Morillo earned his call-up after the poor play of Mantiply, Jarvis and injury to Puk in April forced the Diamondbacks to add some fresh talent to the bullpen. He is one of the Diamondbacks’ most promising bullpen members and is known for his flamethrower of an arm. In 17 games, he has a 5.74 ERA and 16 strikeouts with a 1.72 WHIP.

Bullpen members throughout the whole season

RHP Ryan Thompson

Thompson has had an up-and-down year with an ERA of 5.47 and 25 strikeouts in 26 appearances. Although Thompson earned the loss in the Diamondbacks’ first game against the Reds, he had been showing signs of improvement, not allowing an earned run in his last seven appearances.

RHP Shelby Miller

Amid the Diamondbacks’ shaky bullpen this season, Miller has been rock solid. Miller was thrust into the closer position after Martinez’s injury but has had an excellent season, posting a 1.75 ERA, 27 strikeouts and six saves in 26 games.

Miller’s rise to become one of the Diamondbacks’ most reliable bullpen members was a surprising one, but the team will need the veteran if they hope to make a turnaround this season.

LHP Jalen Beeks

Beeks has also been crucial to the bullpen, holding an ERA of 3.23 and 29 strikeouts in 30 games. Beeks was a very late addition to the bullpen due to Ginkel being placed on the IL before the season started. Beeks’ presence as a lefty has been much needed for the team after the losses of Puk and Mantiply.

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