Phoenix, Arizona – The Arizona Diamondbacks made significant changes to their bullpen today, affecting the team’s pitching roster. The big news is that closer A.J. Puk has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to inflammation in his left elbow. As a result, righty Bryce Jarvis and left-hander Joe Mantiply were sent to Triple-A, while the team brought up right-hander Drey Jameson, Juan Morillo, and J.P. Feyereisen to fill the vacant bullpen spots. Additionally, infielder Grae Kessinger was designated for assignment to make room on the roster.
Puk, who excelled after being acquired by the Diamondbacks last year, had posted a 3.38 ERA in eight innings this season before his injury. Despite a high strand rate, Puk maintained impressive strikeout and walk rates. However, his stint on the injured list halts his strong start to the season, sparking concerns due to his injury history, which includes Tommy John surgery. The extent of his current elbow issue remains uncertain, but a potential return after the minimum 15-day stay is possible.
With Puk sidelined, Seth Martinez is expected to step up as the new closer, supported by Shelby Miller and Jalen Beeks in high-leverage setup roles. The bullpen changes follow Arizona’s high-scoring loss against the Cubs, where both Jarvis and Mantiply struggled. The demotions of Jarvis and Mantiply to Triple-A aim to allow them to regroup, while giving Jameson a chance to showcase his talent in the major leagues.
Jameson, who last pitched in 2023 before undergoing Tommy John surgery, now has an opportunity to make an impact in Arizona’s bullpen. Similarly, Morillo and Feyereisen bring their own skill sets to the team, with hopes of bolstering the pitching staff. Morillo’s ability to induce ground balls and Feyereisen’s past success in the majors present new options for the Diamondbacks as they seek bullpen stability for the season.
As the Diamondbacks navigate the changes in their bullpen, the upcoming games will offer a chance for the new additions to prove themselves. With Feyereisen looking to bounce back from a challenging season with the Dodgers and Morillo showcasing his groundball prowess, the team hopes to find consistent relief pitching to support their success on the field. The reshuffling in the bullpen reflects the team’s commitment to adapting and improving as they strive for a competitive season.