Welcome to the 2024 Home-run Derby
Roster moves
The Arizona Diamondbacks made the following roster moves. The D-backs’ 40-man roster is at 39.
- Recalled from Triple-A Reno: RHP Scott McGough
- Optioned to Triple-A Reno following yesterday’s game: C Adrian Del Castillo
Makes sense to carry an extra reliever and not three catchers for a Coors series, between the worst pitching staff in baseball (that would be the Rockies) and the best offense (which is the D-backs), as Samath noted on yesterday’s recap. I suspect yesterday’s triple coverage was simply to make sure Gabriel Moreno came through his first in-game activity ok. That apparently achieved, the team can send one down, and it’s interesting the team opted to stick with Herrera, rather than Del Castillo. On offense the latter is far superior – over 300 points of OPS – but I suspect defensive work be in Del Castillo’s future, considering 27 of 29 base-stealers were successful – and one of those who didn’t was a steal of home!
Make no mistake, the Rockies may be the worst team in the National League, but they have always been a bit of a handful at Coors, where their players are well-adjusted to the unique environment. At home, the Rockies actually have a better record than the Red Sox at Fenway this year, and have been playing close to .500 baseball (34-38). That’s why I would be fine with the D-backs coming away from Coors having taken two out of three. With four in Milwaukee to follow, I mostly just want our pitching staff not to have been ground down to a bloody stump over these three games. At least Merrill Kelly should be free from overheating and cramps in Coors, with a forecast game-time temperature of 81 F.