As they approach the final series of the season against the San Diego Padres, the Diamondbacks have made two roster adjustments. Right-handed pitcher Ryne Nelson has been reinstated from the 15-day injured list, while outfielder Alek Thomas has been called up from Triple-A Reno. In corresponding moves, pitchers Yilber Diaz and Blake Walston have been optioned.
Today’s #Dbacks roster moves. pic.twitter.com/Zff8HNctJc
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) September 26, 2024
Nelson’s return from the injured list was expected, as the team had indicated his absence would be brief. He was placed on the IL retroactively to September 11 due to right shoulder inflammation, but after throwing a couple of bullpen sessions at Chase Field, he’s ready for action. Although it’s uncertain how the Diamondbacks will manage their rotation for the final series, they could stick with Merrill Kelly, Eduardo Rodríguez, and Brandon Pfaadt for the three games, using Nelson in a bullpen role after Thursday’s off day.
Thomas’ return is a bit more surprising, though it might signal that the team wants his defensive skills for the postseason. He’s had hamstring issues this season and lost his starting center field role to Jake McCarthy. However, Thomas is still the team’s top defensive outfielder, even if this year’s metrics don’t fully reflect that. He was on fire at Triple-A Reno, hitting .360 with a double and a home run over his last seven games. He also played a pivotal role in last year’s playoff run, hitting a game-tying home run in Game 4 of the NLCS that turned the tide of the series.
Optioning both Walston and Diaz is an interesting move. In such a crucial series, it’s hard to predict what kind of consistency the Diamondbacks could expect from them, especially since both pitchers are rookies with the usual ups and downs of their debut season. However, with Nelson and Montgomery available, Arizona should have sufficient bullpen depth to cover innings if needed.
The Diamondbacks are hoping to finalize their playoff berth this weekend, with their magic number to clinch sitting at three. With two games left between the Mets and Braves, the race for the National League playoffs is tight. The question is whether Arizona can lock in their spot before those teams’ makeup games in a Monday doubleheader, as the playoff race is set to go down to the wire.
