The Diamondbacks selected the contract of first baseman Pavin Smith from Triple-A Reno, bringing back the longtime lefty bat a couple of months after his struggles in the majors led to him being designated for assignment.
To make room, the Diamondbacks optioned catcher Adrian Del Castillo.
Smith went a miserable 11 for 78 (.141) with one homer in 28 games before the Diamondbacks moved on from him in July. Smith cleared waivers and was outrighted to Reno, where he hit .287/.423/.504 in 39 games. He was even better in recent weeks, going 15 for 47 (.319) with four homers and a 1.109 OPS over his past 13 games.
“It’s an opportunity for Pavin to go and show what he can do against some right-handed pitching,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said.
“He’s been performing in Triple-A. We’re just curious to see what it looks like this time around. I know the last time around it did not go well at all, but he’s going to get a start here and there and it’s an opportunity for him to show us where he’s at and what he’s picked up since he was sent back down.”
Lovullo added: “The Triple-A staff felt very strongly he could come back up here and help contribute.”
Part of the club’s thinking, Lovullo said, was to add another option at first base beyond Tim Tawa and Ildemaro Vargas, both of whom serve as backups at other infield positions.
The Diamondbacks also recalled first baseman Tyler Locklear and transferred him to the 60-day injured list.
Rangers at Diamondbacks, 5:10 p.m., Cox, Ch. 34
Diamondbacks RHP Brandon Pfaadt (7-2, 3.53) vs. Rangers RHP Kumar Rocker (5-11, 4.61).
At Chase Field: Pfaadt continues to give the Diamondbacks' starting rotation a lift, though he hasn't won a game since Aug. 14. He allowed three runs on seven hits in 6⅓ innings at Houston in his last start and the Diamondbacks won that game in extra innings. Pfaadt's walks are up this season, but his batting-average against and on-base percentage against are currently the lowest of his career. … Rocker logged five innings in what was a bulk relief appearance his last time out. It was his third time pitching in relief out of 27 games this season. … Rocker leans heavily on his slider, a pitch he throws 38.2 percent of the time and one that induces a 41.7 percent whiff rate. Opponents, however, have hit his sinker and cutter relatively hard.
Coming up
Sunday, Sept. 13: At Chase Field, 1:10 p.m., Diamondbacks LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (15-5, 2.55) vs. Rangers RHP Cal Quantrill (8-5, 2.89).
Monday, Sept. 14: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Corbin Burnes (0-0, 0.00) vs. Marlins RHP Sandy Alcantara (13-10, 3.78).
Tuesday, Sept. 15: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen (3-9, 6.22) vs. Marlins RHP Janson Junk (6-9, 4.54).
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Rangers at Diamondbacks updates. Surprise veteran rejoins roster
