Diamondbacks option Brandon Drury to Triple-A Reno
Jun 19, 2016, 2:47 PM | Updated: Jun 20, 2016, 8:13 pm
Arizona Diamondbacks' Brandon Drury, right, is tagged out by Houston Astros third baseman Luis Valbuena on a fielder's choice during the third inning of a baseball game, Thursday, June 2, 2016, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
(AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
The Arizona Diamondbacks have optioned 23-year-old Brandon Drury to Triple-A Reno and will announce a roster replacement Monday.
It might come as a shock considering Drury, who has been with the team since the beginning of the season, is slashing a solid .275/.313/.456 in 204 at-bats. That said, Drury’s opportunities have been spotty of late as Arizona’s outfield rotation has solidified — he’s played in three of the last 10 games.
Such a move might indicate a few things.
Drury, who was to split time with Jake Lamb at third base, began playing in the outfield as the Diamondbacks attempted to find hot bats there. But the midseason signing of Michael Bourn has improved Arizona’s center field defense and not been too much of a limitation at the plate (he is hitting .247 with 10 RBI in 93 at-bats).
Meanwhile, Arizona seems set on giving 25-year-old outfielder Peter O’Brien more opportunity. He has been a regular in left field and has four hits — three of which are home runs — in 29 at-bats for a .137 average. He also has seven RBI.
Finally, Lamb’s success has taken away any opportunity for Drury to play regularly at third base. Lamb trails Paul Goldscmidt for the team lead in home runs (13) by one and RBI (43) by two while leading the D-backs with a slugging percentage of .553.
Drury being sent to Triple-A Reno complicates the outfield picture more considering fellow outfielder David Peralta was possibly heading to the disabled list as he battles a nagging back injury.
Starting to sound like there's some concern that #Dbacks OF David Peralta may need a stint on DL. Team will discuss it today.
— Steve Gilbert (@SteveGilbertMLB) June 19, 2016
#Dbacks David Peralta dealing with some tightness in lower back. Feels better today but they want to give him one more day off.
— Steve Gilbert (@SteveGilbertMLB) June 18, 2016
The Diamondbacks are expected to recall pitcher Shelby Miller for a Monday start. He was placed on the disabled list for an index finger injury and made two rehab starts with Single-A Visalia.
