The Diamondbacks have designated veteran left-hander Dallas Keuchel for task, experiences ESPN’s Jeff Passan (via Twitter). The staff has not but formally introduced the transfer.
It’s the second DFA of the season for Keuchel, who was minimize unfastened by the White Sox earlier this 12 months whereas taking part in out the third and closing season of a three-year, $55.5MM contract. The previous AL Cy Younger winner posted a pristine 1.99 ERA in 11 begins with the ChiSox in the course of the shortened 2020 season however logged a lackluster 5.28 ERA in 30 begins a 12 months in the past earlier than taking one other step again in 2022.
Keuchel was rocked for a 7.88 ERA with the Sox, tallying simply 32 innings regardless of making eight begins. The D-backs introduced him in on a minor league deal after he cleared waivers and have become a free agent, hoping {that a} reunion with former Astros pitching coach Brent Strom — now the pitching coach in Arizona — would possibly assist Keuchel faucet into a few of his prior success. That, nevertheless, hasn’t confirmed to be the case. Keuchel considerably remarkably struggled much more with the Snakes, yielding 22 runs (20 earned) in simply 18 2/3 frames earlier than right now’s DFA.
To Keuchel’s credit score, he did submit markedly improved strikeout and stroll charges in Arizona. After posting equivalent 12.2% strikeout and stroll charges in Chicago — each among the many worst marks within the league for starters — he turned in a 20.2% strikeout fee towards a 7.9% stroll fee with the D-backs. The strikeout fee continues to be under common, however that stroll fee is strong, and Keuchel can nonetheless induce grounders at an above-average fee (albeit nowhere close to his peak fee when he was perennially among the many league leaders).
Whether or not that’s sufficient for an additional membership to have a look stays to be seen. Keuchel shall be positioned on waivers throughout the week and can absolutely clear a second again and again develop into a free agent. He’ll possible accept a minor league deal wherever he lands subsequent.
