The Diamondbacks have designated veteran left-hander Dallas Keuchel for task, studies 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 reduce unfastened by the White Sox earlier this yr whereas taking part in out the third and closing season of a three-year, $55.5M 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 yr 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 at present’s DFA.
To Keuchel’s credit score, he did put up markedly improved strikeout and stroll charges in Arizona. After posting an identical 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 in opposition to a 7.9% stroll fee with the D-backs. The strikeout fee continues to be beneath 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 one more membership to have a look stays to be seen. Keuchel shall be positioned on waivers throughout the week and can certainly clear a second again and again grow to be a free agent. He’ll doubtless accept a minor league deal wherever he lands subsequent.
