D-backs release Ransom, call up Bell

The Diamondbacks designated third baseman Cody Ransom for assignment on Monday, bringing to an end his extended slump that followed a red-hot start after he was called up to the majors on April 18. Infielder Josh Bell was recalled from Triple-A Reno to fill Ransom's roster spot. Bell, 25, hit .381 with nine doubles, four home runs and 30 RBIs in 26 games with the Aces. He was acquired from the Orioles on April 21 for a player to be named later; Mike Belfiore was sent to Baltimore on May 12. The 36-year-old Ransom started the month 6 for 15 with two homers and five RBIs but had struggled since. He went just 1 for 8 on the team's recent road trip and was 0 for 6 in the three-game series in Kansas City, with playing time at third base becoming less readily available due to Ryan Roberts' turnaround at the plate. Overall, Ransom hit .269 with four homers and 13 RBIs in 17 games with the D-backs. Bell, a 6-foot-3, 230-pound switch hitter, appeared in 79 games with the Orioles from 2010-11, hitting .200 with three homers and 18 RBIs. Bell was originally selected by the Dodgers in the fourth round of the 2005 draft.