D-backs Sign Reliever Ryan Thompson from Rays
The Arizona Diamondbacks might've gotten a steal of a reliever in Ryan Thompson after he was surprisingly designated for assignment by the Rays last week. Then, instead of outrighting him, the Rays decided to release him. GM Mike Hazen swooped in and agreed to a minor league contract with the former MLB reliever that contains an opt-out clause on August 28th, or one week. Thompson has a week to prove that he deserves a shot in the D-backs bullpen or he can choose to return to free agency in hopes of a better shot at the post-season or playing time.
This is a relatively risk-free move by Hazen as he gets a reliever that prior to this season had put up a 3.17 ERA over 2021-22. If Thompson doesn't work out, he can easily opt out or the D-backs can release/non-tender him. In Triple-A this year, he's pitched to a strong 3.26 ERA. While he had 17 2/3 innings in the MLB this year, he pitched to a 6.11 ERA, but that's a short sample size. Thompson had a 2.45 ERA through May 7th before a blow-up outing when he gave up five runs in 1.2 innings against the Yankees on May 13th. From there to July 6th, he appeared in just six games and struggled with the long ball giving up two home runs, nine runs, and eight hits in 6.2 innings.
Thompson just came back from an elbow injury but has a clean bill of health. The Reno Aces will have him on their roster for roughly a week while the team checks out his pitch control, movement, and health. At that point, the Diamondbacks and Thompson both have a decision to make regarding his future. There's a good chance that he gets added to the big league roster soon because of his track record prior to 2023. Beyond the ERA, from 2020-22, Thompson threw 103 innings and gave up just 40 earned runs, 28 walks, 99 strikeouts, and had four saves. He's been striking out batters at a higher-than-average rate while walking batters at a sufficiently low rate.
Plus, Thompson comes with at least three years of team control. He's only making a million dollars this season and has multiple option years left. The 31-year-old has three more arbitration years that could be spread out if he spends extended time in the minors. While it's shocking the Rays cut bait, the D-backs might've just got a steal of a pitcher to help their bullpen and team get back to the postseason.
