D-backs pull relievers Ian Kennedy, J.B. Bukauskas off IL; designate Keuchel
Jul 21, 2022, 11:42 AM | Updated: 11:43 am
Arizona Diamondbacks' Ian Kennedy throws during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati, Thursday, June 9, 2022. The Diamondbacks won 5-4. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
(AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
The Arizona Diamondbacks reinstated pitchers Ian Kennedy and J.B. Bukauskas from the injured list on Thursday, adding bullpen strength with the former player joining the MLB team that ramps back into gear for the second half of the season.
The D-backs on Thursday also officially designated starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel for assignment, a move that was reported on Wednesday night.
Kennedy appeared in 32 games for the Diamondbacks but was on the injured list with right calf inflammation since last appearing on July 3.
He holds a 3.58 ERA and 1.518 WHIP with four saves and a 3-4 record this season.
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Bukauskas hasn’t pitched for Arizona this year due to a right shoulder strain that put him on the 60-day IR, and the power arm will begin his work with Triple-A Reno before perhaps earning a chance to contribute to the MLB team.
The 25-year-old, who was acquired in the Zack Greinke trade with the Houston Astros in 2019, was projected to make the bullpen on Opening Day but was diagnosed with a torn teres major in his throwing shoulder in March.
Last season in 21 games with the D-backs, Bukauskas struck out 14 to go with seven walks. He allowed 15 earned runs in 17.1 innings.
Keuchel started four games and finished his Arizona stint with a 9.64 ERA and 1.868 WHIP. He struck out 18 batters and walked seven in 18.2 innings.
The 34-year-old began this season with the Chicago White Sox but was designated for assignment in May before Arizona picked him up.
