Upcoming Changes for the Diamondbacks as Opening Day Approaches
With Opening Day just a week away, roster cuts at training camp are becoming more pronounced. The Diamondbacks made several notable moves today, opting to assign pitchers Kyle Nelson and Drey Jameson, alongside infielder Jordan Lawlar, to Triple-A Reno. Additionally, right-handed pitcher Scott McGough and first baseman/outfielder Trey Mancini were reassigned to minor league camp after joining the team as non-roster invitees.
Mancini’s Reassignment: A Highlighted Move
The reassignment of Mancini stands out as a significant change. The experienced player had signed a minor league contract with the Diamondbacks last month and produced impressive statistics this spring, achieving a line of .440/.481/.640 in 27 Cactus League appearances. While his .667 batting average on balls in play may not be sustainable, it still reflects well for a player who sat out the 2024 season.
A Resilient Journey for Mancini
For long-time baseball enthusiasts, Mancini’s inspiring story is well-known. He recorded 86 home runs and a batting average of .276/.335/.485 with the Orioles from 2016 to 2019, resulting in a 116 wRC+. However, he faced a setback in 2020 when he missed the entire season battling colon cancer. He made a strong comeback in 2021, hitting 21 home runs and posting a .255/.326/.432 line, which led to a trade to the Astros, where he earned a World Series ring.
Challenges and Future Prospects
The last two years have been challenging for him. After signing a two-year, $14MM deal with the Cubs before the 2023 season, Mancini struggled with a .234/.299/.336 line, resulting in his release in early August. He then signed a minor league contract with the Marlins for the 2024 season but opted out at camp’s conclusion without finding another team. Reports in November indicated he aimed for a comeback, culminating in a minor league deal with the Diamondbacks this February.
Future Considerations for Mancini
It’s uncertain whether Mancini’s current deal includes an opt-out, similar to his agreement with the Marlins. Typically, such provisions apply to players who were on a major league roster or injured list at the prior season’s conclusion. Mancini doesn’t meet this condition, meaning he would have had to negotiate an opt-out clause. Given his track record and strong performance in spring training, he might contemplate exploring other opportunities while considering the benefits of playing minor league games during this transition.
Updates on Lawlar and Jameson
Among the other players assigned, Lawlar is well-known due to his status as one of baseball’s top prospects. Following a challenging debut in the majors and an injury-ridden 2024 season, his solid spring performance, hitting .294/.368/.529, justifies the decision to option him. The Diamondbacks have Geraldo Perdomo and Eugenio Suárez at shortstop and third base, respectively, providing Lawlar with the opportunity for regular game play in Reno.
Jameson’s Potential Role
Jameson, 27, has shown promise in his big league appearances with 65 innings pitched in 2022 and 2023. Having undergone Tommy John surgery in 2024, the Diamondbacks’ decision to send him to Triple-A will allow him to regain his form and possibly find a role as either a starter or reliever, as there are numerous rotation options available for Arizona this season.
