D-backs bring in veteran righty DeSclafani for long-relief role

Looking to add depth to a pitching staff beset with injuries, the Diamondbacks on Sunday signed veteran right-handed starter Anthony DeSclafani to a Major League contract and added him to their active roster ahead of an 8-2 loss in the series finale vs. the Padres at Chase Field.

To make room for DeSclafani, the Diamondbacks optioned right-hander Bryce Jarvis to Triple-A Reno.

The 35-year-old DeSclafani last pitched in the big leagues in 2023, logging a 4.88 ERA over 99 2/3 innings (18 starts) with the Giants. He spent last year in the Twins’ system but was unable to pitch due to a right elbow injury.

He signed a Minor League deal with the Yankees this May and made five starts at Triple-A, producing a 4.50 ERA with 20 strikeouts over 20 innings (five starts), before opting out of his deal on Thursday.

Just before the regular season began, it looked like the Diamondbacks had too much starting pitching, with seven pitchers competing for five rotation spots. That resulted in the decision to send Jordan Montgomery and Ryne Nelson to the bullpen.

However, Montgomery came down with an elbow injury just before Opening Day that would require Tommy John surgery.

In addition, ace Corbin Burnes, who was signed to a six-year, $210 million contract during the offseason, injured his elbow in June and underwent Tommy John surgery.

The Diamondbacks’ pitching depth continued to take hits with Reno’s Christian Mena suffering a strained shoulder that will keep him out at least two months. Another Reno starter they hoped to count on for depth, Yilber Díaz, was sent to the team’s Spring Training facility recently after struggling with his command.

And just this past week, left-hander Tommy Henry was placed on Reno’s injured list with elbow discomfort.

With that in mind, the team elected to option Jarvis -- who had been starting at Reno before coming to the big leagues to serve as long man in the bullpen -- back to Triple-A to keep him stretched out in case there are any more rotation injuries.

“When you’re talking about [starting] depth, it’s getting a little bit thin,” Arizona manager Torey Lovullo told reporters. “It’s nice to know that Bryce has accepted that role and will go down there and continue to stay stretched out.”

DeSclafani, who owns a 4.20 ERA across nine seasons spent with the Marlins, Reds and Giants, will serve as a long man in the bullpen. He made his debut in the seventh inning against San Diego, striking out two in 2 1/3 innings while allowing a two-run homer.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen, but right now, we’ve got five great starters, so we’ll put him in the bullpen and utilize him as length out of the bullpen for right now,” said Lovullo. “It’s just nice to know that kind of experience will be marching in from the bullpen. He knows how to pitch, knows his stuff, knows the hitters and can attack with the right gameplan.”