Diamondbacks Part Ways With Disappointing Pitcher

The Arizona Diamondbacks designated right-handed pitcher Andrew Hoffmann for assignment on Monday, clearing a spot on the 40-man roster to reinstate closer Justin Martinez from the 60-day injured list.

Hoffmann, 26, was acquired from the Kansas City Royals in a July 2025 trade that sent outfielder Randal Grichuk to Kansas City. The 6-foot-5 right-hander showed promise as a hard-throwing reliever with a mid-to-upper 90s fastball and a changeup, but his major-league results never fully materialized.

Across parts of two seasons with the Royals and Diamondbacks, he posted a 2-1 record with a 6.85 ERA, 24 strikeouts, and a 2.03 WHIP in 23 2/3 innings over 19 appearances.

In 2026, Hoffmann opened the year in Arizona’s bullpen and performed solidly early, carrying a 2.38 ERA through his first seven outings.

That changed dramatically on April 28 in Milwaukee, when he surrendered eight runs (seven earned) on eight hits and a walk while recording just one out. The outing inflated his season ERA to 7.71 across 11 2/3 innings, and the Diamondbacks optioned him to Triple-A Reno the next day.

In the minors, Hoffmann struggled further, posting a 6.07 ERA in 13 1/3 innings before landing on the injured list in early June with a lat strain/shoulder issue. He was later transferred to the 60-day IL and remained sidelined at the time of the designation.

The move comes as the Diamondbacks also activated outfielder Jordan Lawlar from the injured list, optioning right-hander Gerardo Carrillo and first baseman Tyler Locklear to Triple-A in corresponding moves.

Martinez, returning from Tommy John surgery, represents a significant upgrade for a bullpen that has ranked near the middle of the pack in ERA this season.

Because Hoffmann is currently injured and the trade deadline has passed, he cannot be placed on outright waivers. He will instead head to release waivers in the coming days, giving other clubs a chance to claim him.

If he clears, the Diamondbacks could elect to keep him in the organization on a minor-league deal, though his recent injury history and inconsistent performance make that uncertain.

Hoffmann’s path reflects a common story for young relievers: high-upside stuff that flashes in the minors but fails to translate consistently at the major-league level amid command issues and health setbacks.

For Arizona, the designation prioritizes roster flexibility and the return of a proven high-leverage arm in Martinez as the club navigates the stretch run.