Arizona Diamondbacks Sign Tim Stauffer

The Arizona Diamondbacks signed reliever Tim Stauffer to a Minor League deal.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are continuing to fill their organizational depth with some Major League bullpen arms. In addition to the D-backs inking Scott Rice to a Minor League deal, the team has also signed right-handed reliever Tim Stauffer to a similar contract. The 33-year old Stauffer appeared in total of 18 games last year for the Minnesota Twins and the New York Mets.

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Arizona fans are plenty familiar with the veteran hurler. He spent the first nine seasons of his career with the National League West rival San Diego Padres. Stauffer pitched in 21 games spanning 58 2/3 innings against the Snakes, including six starts. He owns a 2.91 ERA, surrendering 56 hits and 15 walks while striking out 52. The fourth overall pick in the 2003 Draft, Stauffer has appeared in a total of 201 games with 73 of them starts. His best year came in 2010 when he pitched to a 1.85 ERA in 32 games for a total of 82 2 /3 innings. In the following year, Stauffer made 31 starts, hurling 185 2/3 innings and going 9-12 with a 3.73 ERA.

In 2012, Stauffer was named the Opening Day starter for the second consecutive season for the Padres. Unfortunately, an elbow strain knocked him out of that assignment. He made one start in May before not pitching again for the rest of the season because of surgery on his flexor tendon. After making a full recovery, Stauffer appeared in a total of 88 games over the next two seasons, registering a 3.67 ERA. He signed with the Twins in December and was released by the team in June. He hooked on with the Mets and was called up in September but then designated for assignment to make room on the playoff roster for infielder Matt Reynolds.

Next: Arizona Diamondbacks: Patrick Corbin Holds the Keys

Inciarte is a wanted man

Shortly after the Atlanta Braves acquired Ender Inciarte from the D-backs in the Shelby Miller deal, teams were asking about the former Arizona outfielder’s availability. According to Ken Rosenthal at Fox Sports (via mlbtraderumors.com), Braves’ general manager John Coppolella says more teams have checked in on Inciarte than they did Miller. Since reportedly 20 teams asked about Miller, the number Coppolella states is probably an exaggeration. Still, there is no doubt Inciarte is an attractive player as one of the best defensive outfielders in the game, a good leadoff hitter and perhaps most importantly, four more years of club control. At 25-years old, Inciarte is just as attractive to the Braves as they rebuild as he is to a contending team. Stay tuned as Atlanta has been a busy team this off-season.

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