D-backs option LHP Caleb Smith, recall RHP Matt Peacock

The Arizona Diamondbacks optioned left-handed pitcher Caleb Smith to Triple-A Reno and recalled reliever Matt Peacock from the taxi squad on Sunday.

Smith opened the season in the starting rotation and tossed a 1-2-3 inning to begin his campaign against the San Diego Padres on April 10. Keeping the ball in the yard after that point was a struggle over Smith’s next few frames.

He did not get out of the second inning in that initial start after allowing a grand slam to outfielder Jurickson Profar and a solo blast to catcher Jorge Alfaro.

Manager Torey Lovullo said after the outing the team had a lot to talk about, and Smith was reverted to the bullpen.

The lefty entered in relief on Friday against the New York Mets, and he surrendered five earned runs in three innings including two more home runs at Citi Field.

Smith has not pitched in the minor leagues since 2019, before the D-backs acquired him in a trade from the Miami Marlins.

Peacock and infielder Cam Duzenack made up Arizona’s taxi squad brought on the trip to New York as a precaution following multiple positive COVID-19 cases in the Mets’ locker room, according to MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert.

Peacock, 28, tossed 35 games for Arizona last season including eight starts.

He owned a 4.90 ERA as a rookie.

Lovullo spoke about Peacock after the righty initially did not make the major-league club in spring training.

“He was understanding as to what’s going on, some of the things we outlined that we want him to work on,” Lovullo said. “We say ‘this is where the improvements need to be made. That information will be shared with your coaches and everybody in player development. So go off and work on that,’ and he agreed with it.”

The D-backs conclude their three-game series against the Mets at 10:40 a.m. You can catch the action on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.

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