D-backs recall pitcher Taylor Widener, option Alex Young to Reno

The Arizona Diamondbacks announced on Tuesday that pitcher Taylor Widener has been recalled from Triple-A Reno.

In a corresponding move, the D-backs optioned pitcher Alex Young to Reno for assignment.

Following Arizona’s 4-2 victory over Pittsburgh on Monday, manager Torey Lovullo said that Widener would get the starting nod in the second game against the Pirates.

Widener last pitched for the D-backs on July 9 against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the final first-half series before the All-Star break.

In his outing against the Dodgers, Widener went 4.1 innings, struck out five batters and allowed one earned run on 63 pitches.

The following day after his start in LA, the D-backs pitcher was optioned back down to Reno, along with outfielder Nick Heath to clear room for outfielder Kole Calhoun, who was reinstated from the 60-day IL (strained left hamstring).

“[Widener] was executing and getting getting some big outs at the right time and limited a lot of the potential damage, and he’s got real good stuff,” Lovullo said on Widener’s last start.

Widener has also spent some time on the 10-day injured list this season after sustaining a right groin strain against the Colorado Rockies on May 23.

Two days later, Widener then placed on the injured list.

The D-backs right-handed pitcher has posted an ERA of 2.54 in six starts, has struck out 25 hitters, given up eight earned runs and has a record of 1-0 on the year.

In 30 appearances for Arizona this season, Young has pitched in 41.2 innings and has given up 29 earned runs while striking out 38 batters. He also has recorded a 2-6 record in 2021.

The D-backs will look to win their second straight game against the Pirates at 6:40 p.m. on Tuesday.

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