SAN FRANCISCO — The Arizona Diamondbacks were busy on the trade deadline day, making a pair of deals to strengthen their roster. Just minutes before the 3 p.m. MST Trade Deadline on Tuesday, the D-backs completed two significant trades.
In the first trade, they sent left-handed reliever Andrew Chafin to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for right-handed reliever Peter Strzelecki. Strzelecki was subsequently optioned to Triple-A Reno. The move was made to add depth and control to the right-handed relief side of the bullpen, an area that the D-backs sought to improve.
The second trade saw the D-backs ship Minor League infielder Jeremy Rodriguez to the New York Mets in return for outfielder Tommy Pham. With this acquisition, the D-backs aimed to balance their outfield, which had a surplus of left-handed-hitting players. Pham’s proven track record of hitting and his reputation as a disciplined and motivated player in the clubhouse made him an attractive addition to the team.
Despite the roster adjustments, the D-backs had a tough night on the field, losing 4-3 to the San Francisco Giants after holding a 3-0 lead midway through the sixth inning.
These trades came just a day after the D-backs made two other acquisitions, adding closer Paul Sewald from the Seattle Mariners and utility infielder Jace Peterson from the Oakland Athletics. General manager Mike Hazen expressed satisfaction with the moves, especially addressing the back end of the bullpen, which was a priority for the team.
However, the D-backs’ attempts to bolster their starting rotation were not as successful. With Zach Davies and Tommy Henry on the injured list, the team actively searched for a starting pitcher but found the market tough to navigate. Hazen admitted they were willing to overpay for a starter but felt hesitant to push too far for a rental. The team’s recent 8-16 record in July also impacted their decision-making, as they might have been more aggressive had they maintained their earlier position in the National League West.
The trade involving Chafin was seen as a move from depth, as the D-backs had other left-handed relievers in their organization. In addition to Kyle Nelson and Joe Mantiply, Tyler Gilbert had shown promising performances recently. Strzelecki’s acquisition provided them with more control as he is not eligible for free agency until 2029, compared to Chafin’s club option for 2024.
Overall, the Diamondbacks made strategic moves to address specific needs in their roster, aiming to strengthen their bullpen and balance their outfield. Hazen and the team remain focused on finding ways to improve and compete, despite the challenging trade deadline dynamics.
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