D-backs sign OF Cesar Puello to minor-league contract
Dec 13, 2017, 3:40 PM
Tampa Bay Rays' Cesar Puello high-fives teammates in the dugout after scoring on a squeeze bunt by Peter Bourjos off Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester during the second inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
(AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Outfielder Cesar Puello has signed a minor-league deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, the team’s Triple-A club announced Wednesday.
The 26-year-old from the Dominican Republic gives Arizona another outfield option behind A.J. Pollock, David Peralta and Yasmany Tomas, who remain on the active roster. Tomas is recovering from surgery to repair a core injury.
Puello’s value will be even greater if Arizona cannot re-sign right fielder J.D. Martinez in free agency.
Puello made his MLB debut in 2017, playing one game with the Los Angeles Angels before appearing 16 times with the Tampa Bay Rays. Combined, he hit .206 (7-of-30) with seven singles, 3 RBI and four talks to 12 strikeouts.
In 87 games of Triple-A action, he slashed .327/.377/.526 with 26 doubles and 13 home runs.
