Report: D-backs want to upgrade ‘in any way possible’ at trade deadline
Jul 10, 2017, 11:26 AM | Updated: 3:02 pm
What will the #Cubs do at the deadline? How about the #Orioles & #Dbacks?@Ken_Rosenthal‘s Full Count breaks it down. pic.twitter.com/RF08in9rW4
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 9, 2017
The Arizona Diamondbacks apparently aren’t heading into the July 31 trade deadline cautiously. They reportedly want to bolster the roster even more as they aim to build on the franchise’s best start coming out of the All-Star break.
“The Diamondbacks will be aggressive at the deadline, upgrading in any way possible, according to sources,” said FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal on Sunday. “They’d like to add some pitching depth, particularly in the rotation, and they’d also like to add a bat.”
The starting pitching has become a concern with Shelby Miller out for the year due to Tommy John surgery, though Zack Godley and Randall Delgado have held their own as replacements in the rotation.
Meanwhile, the position player depth took a hit with shortstop Nick Ahmed’s fractured hand and outfielder Yasmany Tomas’ groin strain keeping them out for prolonged periods. Ahmed may not return until September, while there is no timeline for Tomas’ return.
Rosenthal says the Diamondbacks could add a bat either in the outfield or in the middle infield, where Chris Owings’ ability to move to the outfield could be utilized.
And while Arizona may not have top-level prospects to float on the trading block — ESPN’s David Schoenfield suggested Single-A pitcher Jon Duplantier could be the best trade chip — Rosenthal adds that the D-backs do have a bit of financial flexibility for this season.
