Diamondbacks reinstate LHP Blake Walston from 15-day IL

On Monday, the Arizona Diamondbacks reinstated left-handed pitcher Blake Walston from the 15-day IL and optioned him to Triple-A Reno, where he will rejoin the Aces.

Walston, a former first-round pick in the 2019 draft by the Diamondbacks, made his major league debut on May 1st against the Los Angeles Dodgers. In that appearance, he pitched 3.2 innings out of the bullpen, allowing two earned runs on three hits and four walks.

The 23-year-old then made a pair of starts at the end of May and the beginning of June, during which he allowed just two earned runs over nine innings. However, on June 4th against the Giants, control issues resurfaced as Walston walked four batters in 4.1 innings. Since then, he has been on the IL with left shoulder inflammation.

Walston made his return to the mound on Sunday, tossing a 3.2-inning shutout with the Reno Aces. When Walston originally made his debut back in May, he was informed of the news while at the blackjack table in Vegas, he told reporters, “Threw out my last hand, lost and he’s like, ‘Well you don’t have to worry about it, you’re going to the big leagues!’”

Given that the Diamondbacks have recently welcomed Eduardo Rodriguez and Merrill Kelly back into their starting rotation—both returning last week—there is currently no room for Walston on the D-backs roster.

Even Ryne Nelson, who has lowered his ERA from 7.06 to 4.51 over the past couple of months, has been kicked out of the starting rotation for the time being. Nelson is expected to come out of the bullpen during Arizona’s series against the Rockies.

In Merrill Kelly’s first start since mid-April, he pitched five innings, allowing two earned runs against the Phillies. The Diamondbacks won the game 12-5, securing their eighth straight series win.

Stay tuned for further updates.