Diamondbacks call up LHP Kohl Drake for Twins series finale

The Arizona Diamondbacks called up left-handed pitcher Kohl Drake Sunday morning, in addition to the previously revealed call-up of Jose Cabrera, who will start the series finale against the Minnesota Twins.

Drake is a prospect the D-backs received from the Merrill Kelly trade last season.

What may Kohl Drake’s role be?

While Arizona saved its bullpen yesterday, the Diamondbacks had to cover eight innings of relief on Friday after Michael Soroka’s left glute injury. The D-backs don’t have an off-day until July 2 — that’s 11 more games.

Drake has a career 4.53 ERA in the minors across four seasons (71 games). All 14 of his appearances this season in Triple-A have been starts, along with 56 of his 71 career games have been starts.

The 25-year-old could give the Diamondbacks length out of the pen if Cabrera isn’t able to last long on Father’s Day.

“I think some extended help out of the bullpen is what I’m here for,” Drake told Arizona Sports. “I’m ready to provide the help that’s needed.”

Drake has a 7.83 ERA across 54 innings pitched in Reno this year. He’s been up and down across his four seasons, but displayed promise in 2024 when he put together a 2.29 ERA across 106 innings pitched in the Texas Rangers minor leagues.

“A lot of learning, for sure. Beating myself up. Definitely giving up damage because I’m hurting myself versus like getting hurt necessarily,” Drake said. “I don’t feel like I’m getting beat. I’m beating myself more times than not.

“Obviously, there have been some good spots and some not so good spots, but that’s the way baseball is.”

In a corresponding move, Arizona optioned Philip Abner to Triple-A following Saturday’s game and designated Yilber Diaz for assignment after allowing seven earned runs in 0.2 innings pitched Saturday.

Diamondbacks lineup for Twins series finale

Arizona’s top four in the batting order remain the same. Here’s the rest of the D-backs starting lineup:

1. 2B Ketel Marte
2. SS Geraldo Perdomo
3. RF Corbin Carroll
4. C Gabriel Moreno
5. DH Pavin Smith
6. 3B Nolan Arenado
7. 1B Ildemaro Vargas
8. CF Jorge Barrosa
9. LF Tommy Troy

First pitch for the series finale is at 12:15 p.m. and will be streamed on Peacock and the NBC Sports Network.

Listen to the game on 98.7 and the Arizona Sports app.

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