D-backs place Locastro on 10-day IL, recall Bukauskas, DFA Swarzak
Apr 18, 2021, 8:46 AM | Updated: Apr 19, 2021, 9:02 am
Tim Locastro #16 of the Arizona Diamondbacks walks off the field after being tagged out stealing second against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on April 17, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
The Arizona Diamondbacks have placed outfielder Tim Locastro on the 10-day injured list following the dislocation of his left pinky against the Washington Nationals, the team announced Sunday morning.
In the game against Washington on Saturday, Locastro hurt his finger while sliding into second on a stolen base attempt. Not only was he called out for the first time in his career, snapping an MLB record streak, he needed to get four stitches on the finger, which was placed into a splint.
Locastro now heads to the injured list. He is hitting .269 this season with a home run, a pair of RBIs and three stolen bases.
The D-backs recalled pitcher J.B. Bukauskas from the taxi squad. The 24-year-old pitcher, acquired in the Zack Greinke trade with the Houston Astros in 2019, will make his MLB debut when he enters a game.
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If he plays Sunday, he would be debuting about 10 minutes away from where he grew up. “It’s everything everybody has talked about,” Bukauskas said. “When I got that call, you know first thing I wanted to do is call my parents, my girlfriend, and let them know.”
Bukauskas was regarded as a top-100 prospect by MLB and Baseball Prospectus prior to the 2019 season.
This spring training, he did not allow a run in 7.2 innings over eight appearances. He struck out 14 batters.
“I’ve had what I would feel like is good stuff coming up through the minors — my command has been shaky and I feel like I’ve kind of honed in on that. And I think that’s kind of where I’ve been seeing some better results,” Bukauskas said.
The D-backs will soon see if his skill set has become MLB-ready.
Anthony Swarzak was designated for assignment following the game on Saturday. In 4.2 innings over six appearances, he has given up five runs and seven hits.
Additionally, outfielder Nick Heath will be active and start against the Nationals. He was acquired in a trade with the Kansas City Royals that was announced on Saturday. Over 15 games for the Royals last season, Heath had two hits and three RBIs.
Heath will play center field and bat eighth in the order on Sunday.
First pitch is scheduled for 10:05 a.m. Listen live at 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
