D-backs Reinforce Exhausted Bullpen In Series of Roster Moves

The Diamondbacks call up Justin Martinez and Logan Allen, send down Tommy Henry and Luis Frías, and transfer Eduardo Rodríguez to the 60-day IL.

Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Justin Martinez (63) throws to the Houston Astros in the fourth inning at Chase Field in Phoenix on Oct. 1, 2023. / Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY

The Diamondbacks have made a series of roster moves ahead of Wednesday's series finale against the Cubs. The team announced that they've optioned right-hander Luis Frías and left-hander Tommy Henry to Triple-A Reno, recalled right-hander Justin Martinez from Reno, and selected the contract of left-hander Logan Allen. To make room for Allen on the 40-man roster, left-hander Eduardo Rodríguez was transferred to the 60-day injured list.

Today's #Dbacks roster moves. pic.twitter.com/SBmEXxeRV4

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) April 17, 2024

The big news is Rodríguez being transferred to the 60-day IL. With a backdate of March 25th, he will not be eligible to return until May 25th at the earliest. Rodríguez experienced a setback in his recovery from a left shoulder strain suffered in a Spring Training game against the Chicago Cubs March 19th.

The writing was on the wall for both Henry and Frías after the pair struggled in Tuesday night's comeback win. Needing a strong performance by both, neither pitcher was able to step up to help the team. Henry allowed five runs in 4 1/3 innings, giving up a lot of loud contact and was knocked out of the game after allowing four runs in the 5th. Frías failed to retire any of the three hitters faced to start the 7th, which snowballed into a six-run inning.

Martinez, 22, got off to a good start with Reno. The flamethrowing right-hander has struck out 14 and walked three in 6 2/3 innings of work. He's shown an ability to miss bats, with a whiff rate of 54.3% in Triple-A this season. Martinez features a fastball that averages 100 MPH, a slider, and a splitter that serves as his main putaway pitch. With Kevin Ginkel, Kyle Nelson, Miguel Castro, and possibly Joe Mantiply down for today, he may be asked to get some big outs.

Allen, 26, was a non-roster invitee this spring and was pitching out of the Reno rotation after failing to make the club. He's pitched fairly well in three appearances (two starts), with a 3.00 ERA and nine strikeouts in 12 innings. With Bryce Jarvis likely out due to pitching multiple innings on back-to-back days Sunday and Monday, Allen can provide some length for the D-backs bullpen. He'll wear the number 22. It's worth noting he is out of minor league options, so the team would have to designate him for assignment if they want to remove him from the active roster.