Cristian Mena set to make his major league debut vs. Dodgers on Wednesday

Mena, 21, was originally acquired by Arizona in a trade with the Chicago White Sox in February. He’s made 16 starts with Triple-A Reno, with a 4.9o ERA and an 89-to-38 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 82 2/3 innings. Between his end-of-season stint in Triple-A with the White Sox last season and the start of 2024, he has 21 career starts in the highest level of the minor leagues. Major League Baseball ranks him as the No. 11 prospect in the Diamondbacks system.

Mena features the full pitch mix of a four-seam fastball, curveball, slider, and a changeup. The four-seamer averages 93.1 MPH, and he’s willing to use all his secondary pitches. His ability to command a full four-pitch mix with average or better grades on all four pitches gives him the profile of a potential mid-rotation starter in the future.

Montgomery’s rotation spot is due again on Wednesday. Mena last pitched on June 26, putting him on track to start on six days’ rest when that spot comes up. Since he was not part of the team’s roster moves on Tuesday, it’s likely he’ll be used as a starter instead of a long reliever. The Diamondbacks have an open spot on their 40-man roster, so getting him on there is a formality, but Tuesday’s game vs. the Dodgers could decide what the active roster move will be.