Diamondbacks DFA Veteran Outfielder After Unproductive Stint

The Diamondbacks make a roster move.

Aug 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks left fielder Max Kepler (22) rounds third base before scoring a run against the Atlanta Braves in the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Colin Hubbard-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Arizona Diamondbacks have made a new roster move, ahead of their game three finale with the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on Sunday.

Outfielder Max Kepler, who the Diamondbacks signed to a one-year deal mid-season, has been designated for assignment after 41 games.

To take Kepler's place on the 26-man roster, catcher Adrian Del Castillo has been recalled from Triple-A Reno. Del Castillo is already on the 40-man roster, so with the DFA, Arizona's 40-man currently sits at 38 as they await the returns of a handful of injured pitchers.

Diamondbacks DFA Max Kepler

Jul 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks left fielder Max Kepler (22) runs to second base with a double against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the third inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Kepler had been suspended for the first half of the 2026 season due to a positive test for performance enhancing drugs. The Diamondbacks inked him to a free agent deal back on June 7, but his suspension held him out until Jun 25.

Once he did make his return from the Restricted List, it took him a while to find his swing.

Unfortunately, with the exception of a handful of clutch hits, the left-handed hitting veteran never quite found his rhythm at the plate. Kepler will end his tenure in Arizona with a mere .205/.262/.303 triple slash line, a .565 OPS and two home runs.

Brought in to combat right-handed pitching, Kepler hit just .192 and posted a 47 wRC+ (63% below league average) against righties this season. Though he has historically had plenty of pop, the Diamondbacks never got much of that from the 12-year MLB veteran.

With Kepler out of the picture, Arizona is likely to see more playing time distributed to youing outfielders like Ryan Waldschmidt, Tommy Troy and Jordan Lawlar. Lefty-hitting Lars Nootbaar may take some of those reps, but will likely be used in the DH slot more commonly.

Diamondbacks recall Adrian Del Castillo

Jul 5, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Adrian Del Castillo against the Milwaukee Brewers at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Del Castillo — also a left-handed hitter — will return to the majors for the third time this year.

He has not exactly filled up the box score much more than Kepler, hitting to a .571 OPS in 59 games, but he is 25 years old and can provide some catcher depth down the stretch of the season.

Arizona's catcher room is mostly set, with Gabriel Moreno on pace for a career year and veteran James McCann providing quality offense and game-calling to spell Moreno.

Del Castillo is not likely to get into a great deal of action outside of an occasional DH start, but it's always good to have catcher depth.