As Sept draws closer to a close, we look back at the best Call-Ups done by the Dbacks
The Diamondbacks have been calling up players to make their MLB debut in September since 1998. That’s since MLB rosters expand every September. Up until 2019, the MLB Active Rosters would expand to the full 40-man roster. Before the 2019 season, the MLB and MLBPA agreed to expand the normal roster to 26 players. Then, they agreed to expand September rosters to 28 players. The Dbacks have had some impacts made by players making their debut in September.
The reasoning behind the shortening of the Sept. roster was to quicken games and limit substitutions. Before the rule change, managers would put ten pitchers into one 9-inning game. Now, this helps limit that and speed up the games. After all, Commissioner Rob Manfred is desperate to speed up games for reasons unknown.
Anyways, here are the best call-ups making their MLB debut with the Diamondbacks in Sept in team history…
1998 Vladimir Nunez
The Dbacks made two September call-ups that made their debut in the MLB. Neil Weber did not do anything of significance. He pitched 2+ innings and never appeared in the MLB again. At least Nunez had a long career in the MLB. He pitched 5+ innings out of the bullpen in 1998. In 1999, he pitched in 27 games with the team putting up rather decent stats. Next, he was dealt with the Miami Marlins for Matt Mantei. He continued to pitch in the MLB until the end of the 2009 season. As you may know, Mantei was crucial in the bullpen for the team’s 01′ World Series win.
1999 Rob Barajas
As a member of the World Series-winning team who started Game 5 of the World Series, you can say he made a huge impact. He didn’t play much in 99′ or 00′, but settled in as a regular catcher for the 01′ team and through 2003. He continued playing the MLB until the end of 2012. He’s now a coach for the Padres. While with the Dbacks, he hit 29 doubles, 11 HRs, and 66 RBIs.
2000 No One
Not one player that made their MLB debut for the Diamondbacks did so in September.