D-backs option rookie LHP Tommy Henry, recall RHP Taylor Widener

The Arizona Diamondbacks optioned rookie southpaw Tommy Henry to Triple-A Reno and recalled right-handed reliever Taylor Widener from Triple-A on Thursday.

Henry, a 2019 second-round pick put of Michigan, heads back to the Aces after starting seven games with the D-backs.

He got off to a promising start with a 3.25 ERA through 27.2 innings pitched in five outings, although he had a fielding independent pitching (FIP) mark of 4.66.

Tommy Henry’s first Major League strikeout! pic.twitter.com/mImY7VRJPD

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) August 3, 2022

Henry allowed 12 earned in his most recent two starts leading to his demotion. He surrendered five runs on seven hits in 4.1 frames Wednesday against the San Diego Padres, a 6-3 loss for Arizona.

The 25-year-old started 20 games for the Aces before his call-up and had a 3.83 ERA.

Widener returns to the big league club for the first time since June.

The 27-year-old has made four appearances with the D-backs in 2022, his most recent on June 6. He owns a 9.64 ERA in 4.2 frames after allowing three earned runs in 1.2 innings during his most recent performance.

Coming in hot 🔥

Taylor Widener comes in and strikes out the first 4️⃣ batters he faces. pic.twitter.com/uaBPai3mvo

— Reno Aces (@Aces) August 6, 2022

Widener, who at one point was a top prospect in Arizona’s system on MLB Pipeline, has 27 appearances and one start in the minors this year.

He’s worked a 5.40 ERA with a 1.42 WHIP with the Aces in 2022.

The move leaves the D-backs with five starters: Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Madison Bumgarner, Zach Davies and rookie Ryne Nelson. They briefly utilized a six-man rotation to give extra rest to their starters.

The D-backs return to action after a night off on Friday against the Colorado Rockies.

First pitch from Coors Field is at 5:40 p.m. Tune in on ESPN 620 AM and 98.7 FM HD-2.

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