D-backs reinstate Taylor Clarke and Pavin Smith, DFA Josh Reddick
Aug 5, 2021, 12:14 PM
Arizona Diamondbacks' Pavin Smith points to the sky as he arrives at home plate after hitting a home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the seventh inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 21, 2021, in Phoenix. The Diamondbacks defeated the Pirates 6-4. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The Arizona Diamondbacks made a slew of roster moves ahead of their Thursday game against the San Francisco Giants.
The D-backs reinstated pitcher Taylor Clarke and first baseman/outfielder Pavin Smith from the injured list.
In order to make room on the roster, the D-backs designated outfielder Josh Reddick for assignment, optioned pitchers Riley Smith and J.B. Bukauskas and outrighted Ty Tice to Triple-A Reno.
“First of all, those are hard decisions, when you DFA somebody Josh Reddick, tough discussions,” manager Torey Lovullo said pregame on Thursday.
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Reddick, a 13-year veteran, will now have to clear waivers to remain with the team. Otherwise he could be picked up by a team looking for an extra outfield bat down the playoff stretch.
“It’s just the direction we were going, wanting to give some of the younger players an opportunity,” Lovullo said. “Hopefully this gives him a chance to catch on with someone who is contending.”
As for the reinstated players, the D-backs add two key contributors to the squad this season.
Clarke has pitched 33.2 innings this season, logging 32 strikeouts, nine walks, a 3.74 ERA and 1.28 WHIP. He ranks fifth on the team with four holds out of the bullpen.
He was sidelined with a strained muscle in his right throwing shoulder, last appearing in a game on June 14.
Smith was sent to the injured list due to a COVID-19 situation amongst the team.
He leads the team in hits with 93, including nine home runs, 47 runs scored and 32 RBI.
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Lovullo also hinted that infielder Josh Rojas could be in line for a rehab stint soon.
He said Rojas took five live at bats on Wednesday and is with the team for the game against the Giants.
“If he has a good day, we’re targeting a departure to get him to a rehab stint in Reno,” Lovullo said.
Rojas leads the team in doubles on the season with 22 and ranks tied for first in runs with 50.
Rojas was placed on the 10-day IL on July 24 with a dislocated left pinky finger.
