Dbacks Make First Round of Cuts: Blair, Shipley Reassigned

The Diamondbacks reassigned eight players to Minor League camp today according to a report by Steve Gilbert of Dbacks.com.

Right-handers Blake Beavan, Aaron Blair, Tim Crabbe, and Braden Shipley were all moved, along with left-hander Justin Marks, and catchers Matt Pagnozzi, and Mark Thomas.

The Diamondbacks also released outfielder Ben Francisco.

More from Venom Strikes

• Diamondbacks make some BIG 40-man roster Moves
• About time! Diamondbacks to now provide housing for Minor League players
• What is the Rule 5 Draft? How does it impact Diamondbacks?
• Former Diamondbacks SP Robbie Ray wins AL CY Young!
• Bannister the bench coach, yet another great hire by the Diamondbacks

While none of these moves were unexpected, don’t be surprised if you see either Shipley or Blair make their big league debuts this season.

Both pitchers will likely start the season with Double-A Mobile, but Manager Chip Hale was impressed with both pitchers spring performances.

“They showed me a lot,” Hale said. “I told them that both guys now know they can get Major League hitters out.”

The Diamondbacks now have 55 players in Major League camp.

My Thoughts:

For me, Aaron Blair has the best control in the Diamondbacks system, and he proved that this spring when he made a lot of big league hitters look silly.

I’ve said for a while now that Blair will make his debut before Archie Bradley and Shipley, and while Bradley has impressed this spring as well and is still in camp, I’m standing by my prediction.