The Diamondbacks strengthen their bullpen for the Rockies series and prioritize defense over offense in selecting their backup catcher.
The Arizona Diamondbacks made a roster change ahead of Monday’s game against the Colorado Rockies, recalling right-handed reliever from Triple-A Reno and optioning catcher Adrian Del Castillo.
Del Castillo has demonstrated strong hitting ability at the major league level. On Sunday, he delivered a crucial hit in the 10th inning against a left-handed pitcher. Over 87 MLB plate appearances, he’s slashed .313/.368/.525 with a 146 OPS+ and recorded 19 RBIs in 25 games. His first MLB home run was a walk-off against the Phillies on August 9.
However, his defensive skills behind the plate remain a work in progress. Although his blocking has improved, Statcast data shows his pitch framing, pop time, and throwing are below average.
With Gabriel Moreno’s return from injury, it became evident Del Castillo, not Jose Herrera, would be optioned. The team values Herrera’s ability to work with pitchers, particularly Zac Gallen, who prefers Herrera as his catcher.
Herrera has a strong reputation for pitch framing but shares Del Castillo’s struggles in throwing out runners. Offensively, Herrera has been less productive, batting .224 this season and still searching for his first home run after 344 MLB plate appearances.
The Diamondbacks appear confident in their offense without Del Castillo and will continue with Herrera for the time being.
As for McGough, this is his third call-up of the season since being sent down in early May. He initially made the Opening Day roster but struggled, posting a 6.75 ERA while allowing runs in eight of his 15 outings.
After being optioned on May 4 and returning on June 8, McGough continued to struggle, surrendering 10 runs over 11 innings before being sent back to Reno in late June. He briefly returned on August 10, pitching two scoreless innings, but was quickly sent back down.
Overall, McGough has a 6.83 ERA in 29 major league innings this year. On the bright side, he’s pitched well in Triple-A, recording a 3.22 ERA over 36 innings and has been dominant lately, allowing just one hit and no walks over his last seven appearances.
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