Diamondbacks recall pitching prospect Juan Burgos, acquired in Suarez trade

PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks recalled 25-year-old pitching prospect Juan Burgos, who was acquired in the Eugenio Suarez trade with Seattle, on Saturday before a game against the Colorado Rockies.

Arizona, additionally, optioned veteran right-hander Casey Kelly to Triple-A Reno.

Burgos —  a six-foot, right-handed pitcher from the Dominican Republic — is the fourth rookie/prospect in the Diamondbacks’ active bullpen along with Kyle Backhus, Andrew Hoffmann and Andrew Saalfrank.

The Diamondbacks added Burgos, relief prospect Hunter Cranton and first baseman Tyler Locklear from Seattle for Suarez the night before the trade deadline on July 30.

"Juan Burgos, welcome to The Show!"

The @Mariners reliever — who posted an 0.62 ERA across two Minor League levels this year — picks up his first MLB strikeout. pic.twitter.com/LTYOZEM6am

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) July 2, 2025

“Very intense competitor, very live fastball and ready for this opportunity, those are the things that stand out to me,” D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said. “Had a chance to discuss what our core beliefs are here as an organization. …  I think he’s grounded and he’s very personable, very comfortable already. And I like that.”

Burgos made his MLB debut earlier this year with the Mariners, pitching 6.2 innings with three earned runs (4.05 ERA), eight strikeouts and two walks.

This has been a breakout season for Burgos, as he had not pitched above High-A coming into 2025. He dominated for Double-A Arkansas with an 0.64 ERA in 28 innings. A significantly improved walk rate helped keep his WHIP down to 0.61 at the level. He only made one appearance for Triple-A Tacoma before receiving his first major league call-up.

The Diamondbacks optioned Burgos to Triple-A Reno after the trade, and he made three appearances.

Welcome to the squad, Juan 👏

Juan Burgos posts two scoreless frames in his debut with the @Dbacks organization pic.twitter.com/7s70edOykS

— Reno Aces (@Aces) August 2, 2025

Burgos has a deep arsenal for a reliever, throwing primarily cutters, sweepers and sinkers with a curveball and changeup mixed in, according to Statcast. His sinker averaged 96 mph during his first MLB cup of coffee.

MLB Pipeline ranked Burgos No. 25 on Arizona’s list of prospects:

The biggest reason for Burgos’ advancement has been in his ability to find the strike zone. His command and control have improved year after year, and he’s become a much more reliable strike-thrower, giving him his first shot in the big leagues with Seattle.

Kelly, 35, made his MLB return last year after he pitched in six seasons in the KBO. He made two MLB appearances with the Diamondbacks before getting optioned.

The Diamondbacks host the Rockies on Saturday at 5:10 p.m. MST. Catch the game on 98.7 and the Arizona Sports app. 

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