D-backs call up pitching prospect Cristian Mena

The Arizona Diamondbacks called up 22-year-old righty Cristian Mena on Tuesday ahead of the team’s second of three games against the New York Mets.

The D-backs opened a spot by sending lefty Tommy Henry to Triple-A Reno after his first appearance of 2025. Henry got in 2.2 innings of work Monday with a hit allowed and a strikeout in a 5-4 loss at Chase Field.

Henry’s appearance was a necessity after Corbin Burnes missed a scheduled start due to a shoulder injury. Burnes’ absence moved reliever Ryne Nelson into a start and, in a domino effect, Henry into Nelson’s long relief role.

Mena, like Henry, has been a starter over six Triple-A games this season.

With Reno, Mena is 2-3 with a 5.76 ERA and 1.48 WHIP.

Cristian Mena’s path back to the D-backs’ regular season roster

Mena was acquired by Arizona in 2024 when the Diamondbacks traded outfielder Dominic Fletcher to the Chicago White Sox.

He made 19 starts for Reno last season and a single start for the D-backs.

Mena gave up four earned runs and two homers with three walks in 3.0 innings in a July 2024 start at the Dodgers, a game that Arizona ultimately won, 12-4.

He was shipped back to Reno after that game and due to a forearm strain later that month did not have a chance to return as the MLB squad’s pitching staff also got healthier.

The team’s No. 13-ranked prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, has a true five-pitch mix and this season has drastically cut his fastball use, instead leaning much more heavily on a two-seamer.

Related

D-backs option Yilber Diaz, Cristian Mena to Triple-ADiamondbacks pitching prospect Cristian Mena's season in jeopardyDiamondbacks did not get enough at trade deadline: ‘I wish we were able to do more’Diamondbacks will not be defined by tepid trade deadlineDiamondbacks trade for outfielder Lars Nootbaar from CardinalsWhich players interest the D-backs at the trade deadline? John Gambadoro has 5 trade targets