The Diamondbacks have made another series of roster cuts, optioning three more players to Triple-A Reno and reassigning two more players. The big league camp roster is now at 35 players, leaving just nine more cuts to go for the Opening Day roster.
Of the group of players optioned to Reno, the two biggest names were top prospect Jordan Lawlar and Drey Jameson. Lawlar, the consensus top prospect in the Diamondbacks system, is the least surprising of the two. With no path to consistent playing time at the major league level, it was more important to get him those reps somewhere. Jameson is a bit more surprising since there was a path to him making the major league bullpen, but on the other hand factors other than performance may have resulted in his demotion.
Diamondbacks option top prospect in latest round of roster cuts
Lawlar also has a playing time issue, in both the short and long term, with the team opting to choose development over potential prospect incentives. Originally drafted as a shortstop, the Diamondbacks extended Geraldo Perdomo to be their starter through the rest of the decade, which will require a position switch. A move to third base, which will open up after the season when Eugenio Suárez reaches free agency, is likely. In Reno, he can work on getting more consistent at that position. However, he'd be the first name called up if there's an injury to Suárez, Perdomo, or Ketel Marte.
For Jameson, the main issue was flexibility. Manager Torey Lovullo told reporters, including Alex D'Agostino from Arizona Diamondbacks on SI, that they're not comfortable having the young reliever pitch multiple innings or back-to-back games. While his velocity and stuff seem to be back, the inability to give length or be available worked against him. Once Jameson clears that hurdle, it will only be a matter of opportunity before he contributes in the major league bullpen.
Also headed to Reno is left-handed reliever Kyle Nelson. Nelson missed most of 2024 recovering from thoracic outlet surgery and didn't look good this spring. With two options remaining, he provides optional depth for a reliever that's been close to league-average for most of his career. That's a nice luxury for the Diamondbacks to have, assuming he can return to his 2022-2023 form.
In addition, both first baseman Trey Mancini and right-handed reliever Scott McGough have been reassigned to minor league camp. Mancini had a good spring, going 11-for-25 at the plate with a home run and a 1.121 OPS. However, the team expects Josh Naylor to play every day at first base and Randal Grichuk is expected to share the designated hitter role with Lourdes Gurriel Jr. against left-handed pitcher, leaving him without a spot.
The moves are good news for non-roster invitees Shelby Miller, John Curtiss, Ildemaro Vargas, and Garrett Hampson. Miller and Vargas' performances this spring would indicate they'd be the favorites to add to the roster. Miller has a 3.38 ERA in 5.1 innings of relief and pitched two innings in his last appearance. Vargas is batting .282 with two homers and a .877 OPS, although his hot start has cooled down lately.