D-backs option Sherfy, Hazelbaker and Walker; release Bastardo
Mar 20, 2018, 10:37 AM | Updated: 7:11 pm
The Arizona Diamondbacks trimmed their spring roster to 35 players Tuesday with a series of moves that included optioning outfielder Jeremy Hazelbaker, right-handed reliever Jimmie Sherfy and infielder Christian Walker to Triple-A Reno.
The D-backs also reassigned right-hander Neftali Feliz and catcher Anthony Recker to minor-league camp, and released left-handed pitcher Antonio Bastardo.
After debuting as a rookie late last season in key relief appearances, Sherfy entered camp attempting to shake a shoulder injury and made his first spring appearance on Sunday against Cincinnati. He allowed two hits, including a homer, in 1.0 inning with two strikeouts.
Hazelbaker struggled at the plate this spring, batting .133 with seven RBI, nine walks and nine strikeouts in 30 at-bats.
Walker hit .302 with three home runs, two doubles and six walks with 12 strikeouts in 43 plate appearances, but finding a spot on the roster was difficult with Paul Goldschmidt taking away opportunities at first.
Bastardo and Feliz were each signed to minor-league deals with an opportunity to latch as bullpen depth.
Feliz allowed six earned runs and walked three in 6.0 innings this spring. Bastardo gave up two earned runs — both off home runs — in 5.2 innings pitched over seven games.
