ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

ESPN: D-backs utility man Daniel Descalso is team’s unsung hero

Jun 14, 2018, 1:45 PM

Arizona Diamondbacks' Daniel Descalso follows through on an RBI single against the Milwaukee Brewer...

Arizona Diamondbacks' Daniel Descalso follows through on an RBI single against the Milwaukee Brewers during the eighth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 15, 2018, in Phoenix. The Diamondbacks won 2-1. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Daniel Descalso’s tenure with the Diamondbacks has been invaluable.

The 31-year-old utility player has been better than the team could’ve ever asked for prior to signing him to a two-year, $3.5 million contract prior to the 2016 season.

According to ESPN’s Craig Edwards, Descalso has been the unsung hero for the D-backs, and it’s hard to argue with that selection.

“Entering the season, Descalso was the very definition of replacement-level, with 0.6(fWAR) in more than 2,000 plate appearances across eight seasons,” Edwards wrote.

In 2018, Descalso has added more power to his game, he’s currently slugging at .515 while also leading the team in RBI at 36. His defensive versatility has also been on full-display with him playing four different defensive positions in 2018, including filling in for Jake Lamb when he was injured for a month.

For the first time in his career, Descalso is receiving everyday at-bats and has been a quality player for the D-backs. His defensive metrics aren’t favorable, but his ability to play all over the field makes it easier to keep him in the lineup on a regular basis.

Descalso is on pace to have the best season of his career and is a free agent at season’s end. Since coming to the D-backs he’s churned out quality at-bats and came through in clutch situations.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Jordan Montgomery throws a pitch...

Tyler Drake

Hall: Diamondbacks’ addition of Jordan Montgomery ‘made a lot of sense’

The Diamondbacks' addition of Jordan Montgomery puts a bow on a rotation that should be in the conversation for the top spot across MLB.

31 minutes ago

Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno...

Arizona Sports

Roundtable picks: One Diamondbacks young player to watch in 2024

Which Arizona Diamondbacks player should continue an upward trend in 2024? Gabriel Moreno, Brandon Pfaadt and Alek Thomas are possibilities.

1 hour ago

Chase Field flyover...

Damon Allred

Diamondbacks’ Hall ‘battling’ to keep Chase Field roof open for Opening Day

The roof at Chase Field continues to be a hot button topic, especially after an exhibition game was rained out on Monday.

2 hours ago

Merrill Kelly throws a pitch...

Alex Weiner

Meet the Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2024 Opening Day roster

The Arizona Diamondbacks finalized their 26-man Opening Day roster on Thursday ahead of their matchup against the Rockies.

3 hours ago

Manager Torey Lovullo speaks with Corbin Carroll...

Arizona Sports

Roundtable: Expectations, predictions for the 2024 Arizona Diamondbacks

What are the expectations for the 2024 Arizona Diamondbacks? Arizona Sports show hosts and editors make their predictions.

5 hours ago

Zac Gallen...

Arizona Sports

Diamondbacks agree to TV, cable and satellite channel contracts

The Arizona Diamondbacks will air on linear TV channels as well as streams under an MLB-produced broadcast partnership in 2024.

8 hours ago

ESPN: D-backs utility man Daniel Descalso is team’s unsung hero