D-backs trade for former ASU player Deven Marrero, select Salas’ contract

The Diamondbacks added a former Sun Devil on Saturday.

Red Sox infielder Deven Marrero was traded to the D-backs for a player to be named later or cash considerations, the team announced.

“We are excited to add a player of Deven’s versatility to our roster,” general manager Mike Hazen said in a press release. “His ability to play all four infield positions will be a valuable addition.”

In college, Marrero won the 2011 Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year and was a three-time All-Conference player.

His defense earned him a larger role with the Red Sox in 2017 after getting limited time in the majors in 2015 and 2016. He played 71 games, 53 at third base.

Though a small sample size, his .971 fielding percentage would be among the best in the majors if sustained for a full season.

While Marrero only hit .211 last season, he could provide a boon where the Diamondbacks need most – against lefties. He slashed .291/.344/.600 with all four of his home runs coming against southpaws.

At ASU, Marrero set a freshman record by batting .397, according to the press release.

In Arizona, he will reunite with manager Torey Lovullo, who was a Red Sox coach from 2012-2016. Marrero’s spot on the 25-man roster isn’t secure; Lovullo said there are too many “moving parts” to decide now.

His experience at second base, third base and shortstop (plus one game at first) could help his case.

“He’s going to find himself in all three of those spots,” Lovullo said. “He’s got a couple days to come in here, and do his job, play some innings, play some games and see what happens.”

Bullpen transactions

Fernando Salas earned his way into the Diamondbacks bullpen by allowing just one run over 10 innings during spring training. He also had eight strikeouts and two walks.

The team announced it selected his contract on Saturday.

“He came in and did exactly what we wanted to,” Lovullo said.

The eight-year veteran has played rejuvenated ball since getting released by the Mets in August. After posting a 6.00 ERA with New York, he signed with the Angels and turned his season around, going 1-0 with a 2.63 ERA in 13 games.

Salas has a career ERA of 3.85 and 30 saves.

That wasn’t the D-backs’ only bullpen news of the day. Albert Suarez was designated for assignment, the team announced. He went 1-1 with a 6.57 ERA over 12.1 innings in spring training.

Suarez, picked as a Rule 5 draft selection from San Francisco in December, will be offered back to the Giants. His future with the team is unclear, though Lovullo said he had a “tremendous camp.”

“He came close, he did a really nice job,” Lovullo said. “Where that lands him, I don’t exactly know.”

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