The D-Backs are buying infielder Grae Kessinger from the Astros for minor league pitcher Matthew Linskey, report Chandler Rome and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Houston had designated Kessinger for task earlier than the vacation break because the corresponding transfer for the Christian Walker pickup. Arizona had a trio of 40-man roster spots accessible, so no additional transfer will likely be vital.
Kessinger was Houston’s second-round decide in 2019. The righty-hitting utilityman has made 49 massive league appearances over the previous two seasons. Kessinger has hit .131 with one homer whereas hanging out 19 occasions over his first 70 journeys to the plate. The Ole Miss product has taken 524 Triple-A plate appearances over the past two years. He’s a .271/.363/.407 hitter at that stage. Kessinger has walked at a powerful 12.4% clip towards a manageable 21.5% strikeout fee within the Pacific Coast League.
Whereas Kessinger isn’t going to convey a lot energy upside, his plate self-discipline offers him an opportunity to be a precious bench piece. He was a university shortstop and has logged practically 2000 innings there professionally. He additionally has important expertise at every of second and third base with restricted work at first base. Kessinger nonetheless has two choices remaining, permitting the Snakes to maintain him at Triple-A Reno for some time.
Linskey, 22, is a 6’7″ righty reliever. He turned in a 2.78 earned run common over 32 1/3 innings within the low minors final season. He posted a large 38.3% strikeout fee but additionally walked 12% of batters confronted. Linskey was a Sixteenth-round draftee out of Rice in 2023.
