Reliever T.J. McFarland joins Diamondbacks, taken off injured list
Apr 30, 2019, 2:14 PM
Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher T.J. McFarland (30) pitches during the second inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park Sunday, April 29, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
Arizona Diamondbacks reliever T.J. McFarland (shoulder) was pulled off the injured list Tuesday as he prepares to make his season debut.
The D-backs had already opened a roster spot on Sunday when, after a 15-inning loss to the Chicago Cubs, they optioned 24-year-old pitcher Jon Duplantier to Triple-A Reno. Duplantier has made three appearances this year for Arizona, having allowed three hits and no earned runs in 8.0 innings.
McFarland suffered from inflammation in his left shoulder during spring training, and manager Torey Lovullo initially believed he would be able to return close to the start of the regular season.
Arizona slow-played the reliever’s return, even though he felt healthy a week into the season.
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“Everything’s feeling great. Whatever was in there was knocked out,” McFarland said on April 5, a day before he was set to throw a simulation game. “Feeling strong and ready. Now it’s a matter of building up. In terms of anything I felt before, I don’t feel it.”
McFarland, who was an expected lock to make the regular season roster, has pitched three games during a rehab stint with Triple-A Reno since April 18.
He’s thrown 4.0 frames, striking out seven while walking one. In his latest outing on Sunday, he went 2.0 innings and allowed three hits and two earned runs, including a home run.
Last season, McFarland made 47 appearances out of the bullpen, recording a 2.00 ERA and 1.19 WHIP.
