Joe Rondone / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Arizona Diamondbacks have trimmed their camp roster to 32 players by optioning LHP Andrew Saalfrank and OF Pavin Smith to Triple-A Reno.

In addition to these moves, Elvis Andrus has been released, and Jose Castillo has been reassigned to the minor league camp.

While sending Pavin Smith down makes sense due to the team’s outfield depth and Smith’s .188 batting average through 69 games last season, the decision to move Andrew Saalfrank has raised some eyebrows.

As a rookie in 2023, Saalfrank was called up to make his debut in September. He proved instrumental for the D-backs down the stretch, allowing just two earned runs in 10.1 innings pitched out of the bullpen.

Then, despite some control issues in back-to-back outings during the NLCS against the Phillies, the 26-year-old excelled in the postseason, throwing five shutout innings across nine appearances.

The release of Elvis Andrus also came as a surprise. Earlier this month, the Diamondbacks had sent top prospect Jordan Lawlar to Triple-A, suggesting Andrus would serve as their backup shortstop.

Originally signed in February, Andrus’s departure suggests the team may turn to Blaze Alexander as the backup option. Alexander, who has progressed through the D-backs’ minor league system since 2018, has impressed during spring camp, boasting a .400 batting average in 47 at-bats.

Blaze’s versatility extends across multiple infield positions, such as shortstop, third base, and second base, rendering him a valuable asset for depth.

Stay tuned for further updates.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Watch: Chris Kreider's natural third-period hat trick shatters Hurricanes' comeback hopes
Dodgers starter undergoes season-ending UCL surgery
Knicks star ruled out for potential closeout game
Veteran NFL safety will either play for this team or retire in 2024
Former Red Wings head coach linked to open NHL job
How Patriots' Drake Maye has already impressed Jacoby Brissett
LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry among Forbes' highest-paid athletes for 2024
Steve Cohen addresses if Mets could again be trade-deadline sellers
Tiger Woods ruins strong first round with sloppy finish at PGA Championship
Xander Schauffele makes history in first round of PGA Championship
NFL responds to speculation about Chiefs schedule and Taylor Swift
Despite hopes for change, NASCAR championship weekend will return to Phoenix in 2025
Chiefs will achieve something not done since 1927 with 2024 schedule
Caitlin Clark's debut was most-watched WNBA game in more than 20 years
Yankees' Aaron Judge comments on resurgence after bad slump
Odell Beckham Jr. reveals why he was 'hesitant' to join Dolphins
Lakers reportedly interested in adding three-time All-Star via trade
Luka Doncic fed off negative reactions in Game 5 win over Thunder
Celtics finally put away undermanned Cavaliers, advance to conference finals
Avalanche force Game 6 with big third period vs. Stars