Diamondbacks spring training: 3 Non-Roster pitchers to keep an eye on
1. Jandel Gustave
A little under two weeks ago, the Arizona Diamondbacks agreed to a minor-league deal with veteran relief pitcher Jandel Gustave. In Gustave’s career, he has pitched for the Houston Astors, San Fransico Giants, and Milwaukee Brewers. In 91 major league innings, Gustave has a 4-2 record with a 3.56 ERA…
It was hard for Diamondbacks fans to watch almost anyone who came out of the bullpen last season. Ranking in the bottom 5 in bullpen ERA, the front office knew that bolstering the bullpen was a considerable need coming into the 23’ season. Gustave has the potential to be an under-the-radar signing that pays dividends for this Arizona ball club. Considering Gustave has a career ERA of 3.56 in the MLB, if he is able to keep that pace with Arizona he would be a substantial upgrade to the bullpen if he makes the team. Relying primarily on a sinker-slider combo, Gustave’s slider had a -4 RV (Run Value) a season ago…
Keep an eye on Jandel throughout spring training because you might be impressed with what you see. He has always been a reliable arm that can give you an inning here and there; exactly what the D-Backs need…
2. Brandon Pfaadt
It is hard not to get excited about the Diamondbacks top pitching prospect heading into spring training. In 29 starts last season (19 in AA, 10 in AAA), Pfaadt was one word; reliable. In those 29 starts, he only gave up more than 4 runs on 5 occasions. It was common that Pfaadt would go out there, pitch 5 to 6 innings, and always be able to keep his team in the game. Any pitching coach will tell you, that is all you can ask for from your starters...
Pfaadt ended up finishing the season with an 11-7 record, a 3.83 ERA, and he struck out batters at a 1.30 K/IP rate. With those numbers, Pfaadt certainly made a case that he belongs in the big leagues. If Pfaadt has a strong spring training, don't be surprised if you see him running out of the dugout on opening day...
Don't feel bad if you had to google how to say his last name, we are all in the same boat with that one...
3. Mitchell Stumpo
Like Pfaadt, Stumpo is trying to make it to the big leagues for the first time in his life. Also like Pfaadt, there is a good chance that 2023, is the year that his dream comes true…
Coming out of a small college in North Carolina Stumpo was signed by the Diamondbacks as an undrafted free agent. As you can tell, Mitchell has had to prove himself since day one. 2019 marked Stumpo’s first taste of professional baseball and in 18 innings that season, Stumpo posted a 1-1 record with a 3.50 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP. Not a bad debut season! Fast forward to 2022 and Stumpo is still impressive. In 43.1 AAA innings last season Stumpo posted a 3.53 ERA and a .178 BAA. While the ERA may not jump off the page at you, a batting average against of .178 should raise some eyebrows. If Stumpo can do his job of keeping hitters off base, look for him to get some more reliable defense behind him if he reaches the bigs…
3 non-roster pitchers who could instantly make this Diamondbacks pitching staff better; this 2023 Arizona team seems like they have a lot of depth to work with. A good indicator that this could be a fun season…