Diamondbacks recall Yilber Diaz, option Slade Cecconi

Ahead of their weekend series against the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers, the Diamondbacks recalled rookie RHP Yilber Diaz to bolster their bullpen.

Diaz made an impressive MLB debut on July 8th, pitching six strong innings and allowing just one earned run against the Braves. He matched that performance in his second start, again tossing six innings with one earned run, this time earning his first career win.

Aside from a rough outing against the Royals, Diaz has provided much-needed pitching depth during a stretch when the Diamondbacks were without Eduardo Rodríguez and Merrill Kelly. On August 27th, while pitching for Triple-A Reno, the 24-year-old struck out 14 batters over six innings. After that start, Diaz transitioned to the bullpen to prepare for a relief role with the D-backs, and in his most recent outing for Reno, he threw two shutout innings.

In a corresponding move, the Diamondbacks optioned Slade Cecconi back to Triple-A. Cecconi has been shuttled between the majors and Triple-A five times this season. During his latest stint with the D-backs, he allowed runs in all three appearances, including five earned runs on seven hits against the Dodgers 10 days ago.

Earlier Thursday, the Diamondbacks reshuffled their rotation for the Brewers series. Eduardo Rodríguez will start Friday in place of Brandon Pfaadt, while Zac Gallen will replace Ryne Nelson for the series finale. Nelson’s turn in the rotation will be skipped.