The Diamondbacks signed relievers Scott McGough and John Curtiss to minor league contracts with invites to huge league camp. The offers had been introduced by the membership’s Triple-A affiliate in Reno.
McGough is a well-recognized face for Arizona followers. The 35-year-old righty has spent the final two seasons with the Diamondbacks. He signed a two-year, $6.25MM contract over the 2022-23 offseason. McGough had come off a stable four-year run with the Yakult Swallows in Japan. That didn’t translate as hoped towards main league competitors.
Whereas McGough picked up 9 saves in 2023, he additionally surrendered a 4.73 earned run common by 70 1/3 aid innings. His manufacturing went backwards final 12 months, as he allowed 7.44 earned runs per 9 over 32 2/3 MLB frames. McGough walked 14% of batters confronted with a mediocre 16.7% strikeout price. He had a greater displaying with Reno, the place he posted a 3.22 ERA throughout 36 1/3 innings. McGough fanned a stable 23.7% of Triple-A opponents however nonetheless issued free passes at an alarming 11.5% clip.
Arizona had a simple determination to purchase McGough out of a $4MM mutual possibility. The entrance workplace stays intrigued sufficient by his arsenal and minor league numbers to present him one other look in Spring Coaching. Opponents have teed off on his 93 MPH fastball, however McGough has gotten sturdy outcomes on his mid-80s splitter over the previous couple seasons.
Curtiss is a brand new addition to the group. He made three huge league appearances as a member of the Rockies final season. Curtiss pitched properly for Colorado’s high farm staff, handing over a 3.96 ERA by 50 innings in a particularly hitter-friendly setting in Albuquerque. That got here with a pedestrian 19.1% strikeout share however he restricted walks to a 7% clip.
A veteran of components of seven MLB seasons, Curtiss had his greatest run with the Rays and Marlins between 2020-21. Miami traded him to the Brewers on the ’21 deadline. Curtiss blew out his elbow shortly thereafter and underwent Tommy John surgical procedure that worn out his ’22 season. He returned to the majors with the Mets two seasons in the past, tossing 19 2/3 innings of 4.58 ERA ball.
