JB

Wendelken

Wendelken spent the last two years overseas, and the 31-year-old right-hander was able to post a 1.57 ERA in 95 games in Japan the last two seasons. He’ll compete for a bullpen spot with the Padres, and while he has a chance to make the team even with the minor-league contract, it likely won’t be in a role that provides fantasy upside.

The deal, which includes an option for the 2024 season, can run as high as $3.05 million if Wendelken his all of his incentives. The 29-year-old right-hander holds a 4.00 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 151/70 K/BB ratio over 159 2/3 innings in his career at the big league level.

Wendelken was not a usable option for much of the 2022 season with a 5.28 ERA and 1.35 WHIP over 29 appearances (29 innings) with Arizona. A former relief stalwart, he could see interest this winter, but almost assuredly on a minor league contract.

Wendelken passed through waivers unclaimed after being designated for assignment last week and will remain with Arizona as organizational relief depth. The 29-year-old righty has recorded an inflated 5.28 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 21/14 K/BB ratio across 29 innings (29 appearances) this season for the Diamondbacks.

This move opens up a roster spot for Sergio Alcántara, who was claimed off waivers from the Padres on Tuesday. Wendelken, 29, had posted a 5.28 ERA and 21/14 K/BB ratio in 29 innings of relief this year with Arizona.

The 29-year-old right-hander has struggled so far this season. He should not factor in late-inning situations.

He becomes the second member of the Diamondbacks bullpen to land on the COVID-IL on Friday, joining closer Mark Melancon. It’s unclear if either of them tested positive themselves. Expect him to return at some point in the next ten days.

Wendelken was arbitration-eligible for the first time this winter. Claimed off waivers from the A’s back in August, the 28-year-old holds a respectable 3.72 ERA over 115 relief appearances in the majors.

Tyler Clippard wasn’t used today after throwing 22 pitches last night. Clippard is still the favorite for saves in Arizona, but it’s not like the team has anything to lose by seeing what Wendelken can do. He’s given up seven runs in 15 innings since being claimed on waivers.

The right-hander was summoned to protect a three-run lead in the ninth, but he made things interesting when he allowed a leadoff single to Luis Torrens and then a one-out, two-run blast to Jarred Kelenic to make it a one-run ballgame. Wendelken rebounded though, striking out Cal Raleigh and getting J.P. Crawford to ground out to end it. Add his name to a lengthy list of Diamondbacks relievers who could see save chances over the final three weeks of the season.