Arizona
Carlos Vargas expected to earn Diamondbacks’ final bullpen spot
The Arizona Diamondbacks count on to maintain 23-year-old righty Carlos Vargas on the Opening Day roster, reports Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro.
The reliever gained the ultimate bullpen spot in a contest with non-roster challenger Ryan Hendrix.
Vargas will be part of a bullpen that to start the 2023 common season on Thursday is anticipated to incorporate: Miguel Castro, Andrew Chafin (LHP), Kevin Ginkel, Drey Jameson, Joe Mantiply (LHP), Scott McGough and Cole Sulser.
Mark Melancon and Corbin Martin are additionally anticipated to be within the combine in some unspecified time in the future however will start the 12 months on the injured listing.
Supervisor Torey Lovullo stated earlier than the D-backs’ last exhibition sport on Tuesday that he would communicate extra on the ultimate roster selections after the sport.
Arizona traded for Vargas in November, buying him from the Cleveland Guardians for right-handed pitcher Ross Carver.
Vargas has solely appeared on the Triple-A degree and this spring performed in 11 video games. Vargas (2.61 ERA) allowed 11 hits and three earned runs (one dwelling run) in 10.1 frames, hanging out 14 and strolling 4.
Hendrix, who has 45 video games of MLB expertise with the Cincinnati Reds over the previous two years, appeared in 9 video games this spring. He posted a 4.50 ERA by permitting 4 earned runs and three homers over 8.0 frames of labor.
Gambadoro additionally experiences that the D-backs have landed on Jose Herrera because the backup catcher to up-and-comer Gabriel Moreno. Moreno slid into the No. 1 spot with Carson Kelly out with a forearm break to start 2023.
The Diamondbacks left open the likelihood that they might search an exterior choice. Herrera, 26, appeared in 47 for the MLB membership final season.