Arizona Diamondbacks promote Jordan Lawlar, DFA their 2 veterans
In a bold move on May 12, the Arizona Diamondbacks called up top prospect Jordan Lawlar and veteran reliever Kendall Graveman from Triple-A Reno to shake things up and boost their tight NL West chase.
Jordan Lawlar, the team's rising star and one of the league's speediest, power-packed middle infield dynamos, was annihilating Triple-A ball with a stellar .336 batting average, six homers, 31 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases. His return to the majors marks a significant step forward in his career after squandering his 2024 campaign due to thumb and hamstring injuries. With his combination of agility, power, and flexible fielding skills, Lawlar promises to bring immediate impact to the D-backs' lineup.
Meanwhile, Graveman returns to the big leagues for the first time since September 2023, following a tough period plagued by a torn labrum and a lumbar strain. After demonstrating impressive progress during rehab, the 34-year-old veteran reliever joins the roster to now lend a helping hand to Arizona's performing-but-lacking-options bullpen, especially when it comes to consistent late-inning support.
Former Diamondback Garrett Hampson and lefty Jose Castillo, who struggled on the plate, were given the boot to make space for the team's fresh faces. Insiders speculate a potential homecoming for Hampson with the Colorado Rockies, while the D-backs seem to be focusing on the high-upside arms of guys like Graveman instead of Castillo.
With the NL West standings heating up, these decisions signal the Diamondbacks' relentless determination to remain in contention. By capitalizing on the talents of emerging stars like Lawlar and the stabilizing presence of veterans like Graveman, the team aims to catapult their lineup and bullpen to new heights as they fight for a playoff spot.
As per a tweet by sports journalist Bob Nightengale on X, the move involves reactivating veteran infielder Garrett Hampson and lefty Jose Castillo, who will be reassigned to make room for rookie infielder Jordan Lawlar and veteran reliever Kendall Graveman. Graveman will be back in action for the first time since September 2023.
This aggressive strategy demonstrates the D-backs' drive to tackle the challenges ahead and keep their postseason dreams alive. By investing in and relying on the combination of youthful exuberance and proven experience, the Snakes are eyeing a robust push towards the playoffs.
- With Jordan Lawlar's return, after missing the 2024 season due to injuries, the Diamondbacks aim to improve their odds in the NL West race.
- The Arizona Diamondbacks' decision to call up Kendall Graveman from Triple-A, following his recovery from injuries, is a strategic move to bolster their struggling bullpen, especially in late-inning situations.
- The MLB betting odds for the NL West might see a shift as the Diamondbacks show their commitment to staying in contention by signing promising talent like Jordan Lawlar and bringing back veterans like Kendall Graveman.
