ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

D-backs recall Taylor Clarke, designate John Ryan Murphy for assignment

May 25, 2019, 10:01 AM | Updated: 10:18 am
(AP photos)...
(AP photos)
(AP photos)

The Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday recalled pitcher Taylor Clarke from Triple-A Reno and in a corresponding move, designated catcher John Ryan Murphy for assignment.

The D-backs hope Clarke can be a solution to a turbulent final starting pitching role that’s mostly been occupied by Zack Godley this season.

Clarke, who was brought up to start Saturday against San Francisco, has pitched in two games this season.

He earned the first save of his career in his MLB debut on April 20 against the Chicago Cubs, throwing three scoreless innings in a victory.

Clarke was brought up to start in place of Godley on May 7 against Tampa Bay and allowed two runs in six innings in a losing effort.

In seven starts for Reno in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, Clarke has posted a 7.22 ERA in 33.2 innings.

Murphy’s departure will have the most effect on D-backs ace Zack Greinke.

Murphy was named Greinke’s personal catcher before the start of the season.

Greinke’s had a spectacular season so far — he has a 2.89 ERA in 71.2 innings — but Murphy was having another below-average year at the plate.

The catcher was hitting just .177 in 62 at-bats this season and hit .195 over parts of three seasons with the D-backs.

Murphy’s exit could mean the D-backs are transitioning away from the three-catcher system that’s been a staple for Arizona under manager Torey Lovullo.

Carson Kelly and Alex Avila will likely platoon behind the plate now without Murphy as an option. Outfielder Blake Swihart has seen time at catcher, though, and Caleb Joseph remains an option in the minors.

Kelly and Avila are hitting .244 and .259, respectively, this season.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Robbie Ray throws to a San Francisco Giants batter during the first inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Friday, May 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) San Francisco Giants left fielder Mac Williamson jumps as fans reach for a solo home run by Arizona Diamondbacks' Ildemaro Vargas during the first inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Friday, May 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) San Francisco Giants' pitcher Drew Pomeranz throws to an Arizona Diamondbacks batter during the first inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Friday, May 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) Arizona Diamondbacks' Ildemaro Vargas, center, is congratulated by teammates after hitting a solo home run against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Friday, May 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) San Francisco Giants' Tyler Austin (19) is congratulated by manager Bruce Bochy after hitting a two-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Friday, May 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) Barry Bonds smiles while watching a baseball game between the San Francisco Giants and the Arizona Diamondbacks in San Francisco, Friday, May 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) Arizona Diamondbacks' Robbie Ray hits a two-run single in front of San Francisco Giants catcher Stephen Vogt during the third inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Friday, May 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) Arizona Diamondbacks' Adam Jones gestures after hitting a three-run home run against the San Francisco Giants during the fifth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Friday, May 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) Arizona Diamondbacks' Adam Jones watches his three-run home run in front of San Francisco Giants catcher Stephen Vogt during the fifth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Friday, May 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) San Francisco Giants center fielder Steven Duggar (6) catches a fly ball hit by Arizona Diamondbacks' Robbie Ray during the sixth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Friday, May 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) San Francisco Giants center fielder Steven Duggar catches a fly ball hit by Arizona Diamondbacks' Robbie Ray during the sixth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Friday, May 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) Arizona Diamondbacks' Eduardo Escobar celebrates after hitting a three-run home run off of San Francisco Giants pitcher Nick Vincent, right, during the sixth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Friday, May 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) San Francisco Giants pitcher Drew Pomeranz (37) hands the ball to manager Bruce Bochy as he is taken out for a relief pitcher during the third inning of the team's baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks in San Francisco, Friday, May 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) Arizona Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte gestures after hitting a three-run home run against the San Francisco Giants during the seventh inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Friday, May 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) San Francisco Giants players sit in the dugout during the sixth inning of the team's baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks in San Francisco, Friday, May 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) Arizona Diamondbacks' Ildemaro Vargas hits a solo home run against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Friday, May 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Arizona Diamondbacks

Gabriel Moreno #14 of the Arizona Diamondbacks works out at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on F...
Kellan Olson

Arizona Diamondbacks believe Gabriel Moreno is ready for bigger role

Gabriel Moreno will be the Arizona Diamondbacks' everyday catcher soon enough but it might happen even sooner than expected.
22 hours ago
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo speaks with reporters after a 7-4 spring training loss t...
Jake Anderson

Diamondbacks still have major roster questions as Opening Day looms

With only six days until Opening Day, D-backs skipper Torey Lovullo still has to get the active roster down from 36 to 26.
22 hours ago
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Luis Frias (65) shakes hands with Diamondbacks catcher Grayson Greiner...
Arizona Sports

D-backs option Ps Luis Frias, Kyle Nelson to Triple-A Reno

The Arizona Diamondbacks optioned pitchers Luis Frias and Kyle Nelson to the Triple-A Reno Aces on Friday.
22 hours ago
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen throws against the Colorado Rockies during the fir...
Arizona Sports

D-backs name Zac Gallen as Opening Day starter for 2023

Zac Gallen will start for the Arizona Diamondbacks next Thursday for Opening Day against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
22 hours ago
Major League Baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr. speaks, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, during ...
Arizona Sports

Timing makes D-backs media rights complex for MLB to obtain

Why would the Padres become the first team ahead of the D-backs that triggers MLB to head to court in an attempt to obtain their rights?
22 hours ago
Arizona Diamondbacks' Josh Rojas (10) celebrates his home run against the Colorado Rockies with Dav...
Haboob Blog

D-backs’ Josh Rojas calls David Peralta ‘a traitor’ while mic’d up vs. Dodgers

D-backs 3B Josh Rojas didn't mince his words on Thursday when talking about former teammate and current Dodger David Peralta.
2 days ago
D-backs recall Taylor Clarke, designate John Ryan Murphy for assignment