In a move to strengthen the bullpen, the D-backs announced this afternoon that they have signed reliever Taylor Clarke. It’s a return home, since the 32-year-old was actually an Arizona draft pick originally, being selected in the third round of the 2015 draft. He made his debut as a Diamondback in 2019, and appeared in 78 games for Arizona, including 20 starts, with an ERA of 4.99. However, he was allowed to walk as a free-agent at the end of the 2021 season. He then signed with the Royals and,
in fact, has had two sessions there, returning to Kansas City after being dealt to Milwaukee for the 2024 season.
He was an effective part of the Royals bullpen last year, working in 51 games to a 3.25 ERA (3.97 FIP), with a K:BB ratio of 44:9 across 55.1 innings. The resulting ERA+ of 127 was a career best for Clarke. I wouldn’t expect him generally to be used in high-leverage work, since he had just one save last year. But it is possible he could be the “bridge closer” Mike Hazen recently talked about, to carry the team in save situations until they get Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk back. To make room, the team designated Gus Varland for assignment, who lasted five months on the roster without anyone really noticing. Glad I hadn’t got round to writing about him as a possible roster dark horse.
