Emmanuel Rivera Recalled From Reno
The Diamondbacks have recalled Emmanuel Rivera from Triple-A Reno as part of the corresponding roster move in which they optioned out Jake McCarthy. (As reported by AZ Central's Nick Piecoro) The 27 year old Rivera has been hitting extremely well for the Aces of late, with a .349/.378./.591 slash line, .969 OPS. He's hit two homers, drawn four walks, and struck out only seven times in 74 PA.
Rivera was acquired by the Diamondbacks on August 1st of last year in exchange for RHP Luke Weaver. He started off hot, driving the ball well, but eventually cooled. He ended the year batting .227 with six homers and 18 RBI in 39 games for the D-backs. His defense at third base was solid, if unspectacular. Rivera's career MLB batting line is .238/.298/.393, .690 OPS, and a 93 OPS+ (About 7% worse than league average. Rivera also played for team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic this past March. McCarthy, who was slumping to start the season has a .255/.324/.393 slash line for a .717 OPS and 102 OPS+, or slightly above league average. We detailed his slow start to the season earlier today. (See article link below)
While the Pacific Coast League in general and Reno in particular are known as among the most hitter friendly environments in professional baseball, Rivera's early season performance stands out as being above average. His 126 wRC+ is by definition about 26% better than the league average. Rivera's hard hit rate of 47% and average exit velocity of 91 MPH are considerably better than the top hitting prospects on the Aces, as can be seen in this chart
Rivera has played third base almost exclusively in his professional career. He has just 36 innings at first base in MLB and 91 innings at the position in the minor leagues. But he will likely be called upon to back up Christian Walker occasionally. His primary position is third base however and the D-backs already have two in Josh Rojas and Evan Longoria.
As of last night no injuries to either player have been reported. Rojas started out extremely hot, with three hit games in four of his first nine. Since then however he is 8 for his last 41 and has yet to homer on the season. Longoria meanwhile has seen sporadic playing time as the right handed half of the platoon with Rojas. He has 46 plate appearances and is batting .238 with a .711 OPS and two homers. The defense for both players has been well above average. We will check in with Torey Lovullo early this evening to find out his plans for player usage.
