Home / Sports / D-backs Add Left-Handed Bat Sanchez
D-backs Add Left-Handed Bat Sanchez
15 Sep
Summary
- Diamondbacks add outfielder Jesus Sanchez off waivers.
- Sanchez will primarily serve as designated hitter.
- Team struggles against right-handed pitchers are well-documented.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have bolstered their lineup by acquiring left-handed outfielder Jesus Sanchez from the Toronto Blue Jays via waivers on September 14. This move directly targets the team's significant difficulties against right-handed pitching, a problem manager Torey Lovullo has openly acknowledged.
Lovullo intends to utilize Sanchez predominantly as a designated hitter, aiming to inject impact left-handed hitting into the lineup. The Diamondbacks currently rank 28th in MLB with a .684 OPS against right-handed starters and 29th against all right-handers. Young right-handed hitters on the team have also faced challenges against right-handed pitching.
In other team news, Zac Gallen is being considered for bullpen appearances, with his usage depending on game situations. Meanwhile, Lars Nootbaar has earned a starting role in left field over Ryan Waldschmidt, who has been in a slump. Nootbaar has shown strong performance recently against right-handed pitching.