The Diamondbacks that second baseman Ketel Marte has been reinstated from the 10-day injured checklist. Outfielder Jorge Barrosa has been optioned to Triple-A Reno because the corresponding transfer.
Marte was having an elite season previous to touchdown on the IL with a sprained left ankle. In 116 video games this yr, he has hit 30 residence runs and drawn walks at a ten.4% clip. His .298/.370/.560 batting line interprets to a wRC+ of 150, indicating he’s been 50% higher than the league common hitter. He has additionally stolen six bases and been given sturdy grades for his second base protection, resulting in a tally of 5.3 wins above alternative in 116 video games, per FanGraphs.
The ankle harm put that on pause, however not for lengthy. He landed on the IL August 19, so he’s now again after just a bit greater than a minimal IL stint. That’s an incredible improvement for the Snakes, although it might result in some difficult lineup selections for supervisor Torey Lovullo.
It’s attainable that Marte will want a while because the designated hitter earlier than retaking his second base job on an on a regular basis foundation. If that’s the case, the DH slot might get somewhat crowded. Joc Pederson has been the common in that spot, not less than towards righties, as he’s normally shielded from lefties. The membership acquired first baseman Josh Bell whereas Christian Walker was on the IL however Walker is now again as properly.
The Diamondbacks haven’t proven any inclination to place Pederson within the discipline this yr, so he appears to be DH solely. Bell nor Walker aren’t life like choices wherever aside from first base, so certainly one of them must be the DH if each are within the lineup.
Maybe that can merely permit the skipper to rotate some down time to these veteran gamers because the membership pushes in the direction of the stretch run, however the video games they’re enjoying are lots significant. The Diamondbacks are 79-62, placing them within the second Wild Card place. They’re solely half a sport behind the Padres, who’ve the highest spot, although Atlanta and the Mets are simply 2.5 video games again of the Snakes. Luis Guillorme and Kevin Newman have been platooning on the keystone these days however determine to lose out on enjoying time every time Marte takes over that place.
