In between games of the Diamondbacks’ double-header with the Padres, the D’Backs have selected the contract of right-hander Nabil Crismatt from Triple-A. MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert was the first to note this evening that Crismatt had been issued locker space in Arizona’s clubhouse. In corresponding moves, the Diamondbacks optioned left-hander Tyler Gilbert to Triple-A Reno and moved Tommy Henry to the 60-day injured list.
Should Crismatt see action in tonight’s game, he’ll be making his D’Backs debut against his former team. Crismatt has spent three of his four MLB seasons with the Padres, posting a 3.39 ERA over 148 2/3 innings on the strength of some good soft-contact numbers and a 50.6% grounder rate. Unfortunately, Crismatt’s 2023 season has been a trial, as he missed two months due to a hip strain and had a 9.82 ERA over 11 innings before San Diego designated the righty for assignment in June.
Crismatt opted for free agency rather than accept an outright assignment to the Padres’ Triple-A team, and he quickly landed with Arizona on a minor league contract. He opted out of that deal at the start of August but then returned to the Snakes on a new minors deal, and it will now result in another opportunity at the big league level.
It is possible Crismatt’s stint in the majors might only last through tonight, as Arizona might just need a fresh arm available for the double-header’s nightcap. The Diamondbacks have off-days on both Sunday and Wednesday, so Crismatt’s selection might be a temporary stopgap until the Snakes can reset their pitching staff. That said, given the inconsistency of Arizona’s relief corps, the D’Backs might decide to give Crismatt a longer look to see if he can provide the bullpen with any stable innings.
Henry was placed on the 15-day IL on July 29 due to inflammation in his throwing elbow. Through the 60-day IL stint also retroactively starts on July 29, the new placement means that Henry isn’t eligible to return until the very end of September, indicating that his 2023 season is probably over. An MRI didn’t reveal any structural damage in July, yet obviously there is still enough concern to give Henry an extended recovery time.
The Diamondbacks have been starved for consistent pitching behind Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly this season, and Henry posted respectable numbers as the team’s third-best starter. Despite a below-average 9.2% walk rate and a very low 16.8% strikeout rate, Henry still managed a 4.15 ERA over 89 innings, thanks in large part to an excellent 32.4% hard-hit ball rate.
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