Diamondbacks Move Smith to bullpen, 3 possible replacements
So who from the Diamondbacks replaces him in the rotation?
That’s easier guessed than known. Luke Weaver is closer to being ready to come back from the IL but it’s still too soon for him. The Diamondbacks still have a full 40-man roster. This means that if they wanted to promote someone to the MLB that isn’t on the 40-man roster, they’d have to release or designate someone. I’m unsure if they would be willing to do that right now.
So I think they first take someone from the 40-man roster, like Corbin Martin.
Why Corbin Martin is most likely choice?
Corbin’s been up-and-down this entire season between Triple-AAA Reno and the MLB. The Diamondbacks acquired him in the Zack Greinke trade way back in 2019. This is his first year back from Tommy John Surgery in 2019.
So, he’s definitely rusty from two full years off baseball. However, he’s considered to have a ton of potential and is still only 25. This is a lost year so it might be worth it to try to let Corbin work out his pitching issues up in the MLB. He currently has a 6.91 ERA in 6 starts in the extremely hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League or Triple-AAA.
He’s a former top-100 prospects and the Diamondbacks are determined to make sure he becomes something since they traded Greinke for him.
Diamondbacks could call up Luis Frias to make his MLB debut?
Luis Frias is the #9 prospect on the team and has been pitching well this year in the MLB. He’s currently in Double-AA and has risen three levels this year. It would be a drastic jump to the MLB, but the Dbacks are trying out any pitchers right now. They might not want to start his service clock, but he’s already on the 40-man roster. This shows that they think he is close.
Luis has been a strikeout king for the Amarillo Sod Poodles with 83 in 73.2 IP’s. He has had great command as well with only 24 walks. Now that isn’t MLB level control yet, but it’s better than what Caleb Smith was doing. He has a 5.25 ERA but don’t let that fool you in the minors.
Luis is only 23 and could have a shot at getting his own role in the MLB, hopefully as a starter. He should be up in the MLB by end of next year. They might just give him a shot now.
The Bird, The Man, The Myth, The Legend, Matt Peacock
This is who most likely replaces Caleb Smith in the starting rotation. Matt Peacock has been tremendous for the Diamondbacks this year. Just last Friday after Caleb Smith’s latest early exit after only 1.1 Innings, Peacock saved the day.
Peacock gave 4.2 IP’s with no runs allowed, 4 K’s and a key 2 RBI hit. Peacock is a fan favorite and provides some awesome rookie energy to the team. He reminds me a tiny bit of a rookie Zack Godley.
He’s a country boy who doesn’t do anything amazing. However, he is a fighter, knows how to win, never quits, and comes up big nearly every time. He’s also made starts this year before.
He’s already stretched out and ready for a starting role again. He was the long-man in the bullpen. Now he’s able to give us a lot of length in the rotation hopefully. We all want him to succeed.
Must Read. Star Wars night coming up at Chase Field!. light
His stats this year in 28 games (7 games started, 9 games finished) are: 76.1 IP’s, 4.95 ERA & FIP, 42 ER’s, 22 walks (low amount of walks, thank goodness), 45 K’s, and a 5-6 record. He’s ready to give the fans a jolt of energy. Dbacks, if you see this, give him another shot. This year isn’t over yet.
Let’s get Mr. Peacock some more starts!
As always,
May the Force be with You…