Diamondbacks announce flurry of moves

Feb 19, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Mike Bolsinger poses for a portrait during photo day at Salt River Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

After being swept by the Dodgers pushing the Diamondbacks record to 4-11 which is the worst in the majors, changes were expected and they came today. General Manager Kevin Towers announced a few moves today some that were surprising. After struggling again on Sunday against Los Angeles allowing 6 runs in 4 innings, Dbacks starter Trevor Cahill was expected to be moved to the bullpen to work on his mechanics and command and today Towers made it official.

The Dbacks sent Cahill to the pen and called up rookie Michael Bolsinger to take Cahill’s spot in the rotation. Bo Schultz was also considered according to Towers. Towers also said that top prospect Archie Bradley is not quite ready, but he could very well be up in mid May if the team continues to struggle. This was quite surprising considering how well Bo Shultz pitched this spring: He made a start for the Snakes this spring giving up six hits and he finished with a 2.84 era. Bolsinger appeared in one game pitching an inning and allowing a hit. Another possibility could have been Zeke Spurill who started for the Dbacks last year. It just seems surprising that Bolsinger a rookie was Towers first choice.

Then again, maybe it isn’t that surprising. John Baragona who covers the Dbacks minor league action for azsnakepit wrote about Bolsinger’s potential to join the rotation earlier this month:

“Since being drafted in the 15th round in 2010 Bolsinger has taken a step forward every single year and still hasn’t gotten any serious consideration from anyone as a guy who might have a future in the big leagues… In 2013 he put up a 2.51 ERA for Mobile in 9 games then made 17 starts for Reno where he struck out 97 in 101 innings with a 4.72 ERA, which isn’t all that bad in the PCL. If Randall Delgadocan’t come up with more than he did Friday against Colorado and they’re still not ready for Bradley time, might Bolsinger get the call? A couple more games like that and he sure might.”

Turns out it only took one more start. Bolsinger will start against the Dodgers in Los Angeles on Saturday. Right now it wouldn’t surprise me if this is just an audition: it will give the Dbacks an option if he proves he can handle major league hitters. In the last three years the Dbacks have had surprise starters emerge as aces and it changed the ballclub: Wade Miley in 2011 and Patrick Corbin in 2013. Who knows maybe Bolsinger can be that guy in 2014. In other moves, Arizona sent down Will Harris to make room for Bolsinger. Harris was the only guy that could go to the minors without clearing waivers. The team also moved David Hernandez to the 60 day D.L.

Leave your thoughts on the Dbacks moves in the comments section.