What's Happening?
The Arizona Diamondbacks have outrighted reliever Christian Montes De Oca, reducing their 40-man roster count to 37. Montes De Oca, who made his MLB debut this past season, was initially called up in May but only appeared in one game in June, pitching
2 2/3 scoreless innings. His season was cut short due to elbow inflammation and a subsequent lower back surgery. Despite his limited MLB exposure, Montes De Oca has shown promise in the minor leagues with a 4.34 ERA over four seasons. The move comes ahead of the deadline for teams to finalize their 40-man rosters to protect players from the Rule 5 draft.
Why It's Important?
Outrighting Montes De Oca allows the Diamondbacks to manage their roster effectively as they prepare for the Rule 5 draft. This decision reflects the team's strategy to prioritize protecting key prospects acquired in trades, such as Mitch Bratt and Kohl Drake. By freeing up roster space, the Diamondbacks can safeguard their future talent while navigating the complexities of MLB roster management. This move underscores the importance of strategic planning in maintaining a competitive team structure and developing young players.
What's Next?
Montes De Oca will remain in the Diamondbacks' system as a non-roster player, potentially receiving an invitation to spring training if he recovers from his injuries. The team will continue to evaluate their roster needs and make decisions on which players to protect from the Rule 5 draft. The outcome of these decisions will influence the Diamondbacks' depth and readiness for the upcoming season, as they aim to build a competitive roster.
