In a surprising move, the Arizona Diamondbacks have optioned right-handed pitcher Yilber Diaz to Triple-A and recalled right-handed pitcher Slade Cecconi ahead of their three-game series against the Washington Nationals starting Monday.
Diaz, who made his major league debut in early July and impressed with six solid innings allowing only one earned run against the Braves, has continued to perform well. However, he has been unlucky, as blown saves by Paul Sewald have cost him potential wins. Despite a strong outing, including a recent five-inning shutout against the Pirates, Diaz has been unable to secure a victory due to late-game collapses.
Diaz has left the game with a lead in three of his four starts, with his only poor performance coming against the Royals last week when he gave up seven runs and was pulled before the third inning.
On the other hand, Slade Cecconi, who was optioned to Triple-A 19 days ago, has been effective in his time with the Reno Aces, pitching five innings in relief, striking out seven, and allowing just five hits and two earned runs. Previously a starter for the Diamondbacks with a 6.14 ERA across 13 starts, Cecconi is being brought back to help address the team’s recent bullpen issues.
The Diamondbacks’ series opener against Washington is set for 6:40 PM, with Jordan Montgomery scheduled to make his second start since returning from the injured list. With Montgomery back, the team won’t need a fifth starter until next Tuesday, by which time Merrill Kelly might return from the IL, or possibly Eduardo Rodriguez, who has been sidelined all season.
