Andrew

Saalfrank

The Diamondbacks announced the unfortunate news on Tuesday that Saalfrank had to undergo shoulder surgery and would miss the entire 2026 season. Placing him on the 60-day injured list now frees up a roster spot for the club to make the signing of Carlos Santana official. Saalfrank should be fully recovered and ready to go for the start of spring training in 2027.

Ouch. No word yet from the team on what exactly the procedure was or when the injury occurred, but it’ll cost the 28-year-old southpaw an entire season. It’s another tough break for the Diamondbacks who were already struggling for quality bullpen depth.

Saalfrank calmed this game down after a William Contreras homer cut the Diamondbacks’ lead to one and Christian Yelich double put the tying run in scoring position. He’d strand Yelich and close this game out in the ninth to notch his third save of the season. He’s converted the last three save opportunities Arizona has had and looks to have taken over as the closer here.

Saalfrank was summoned in the ninth inning to close out the game against the Guardians with a one-run lead. He induced a pair of fly outs before striking out the final batter to secure the win and record his second save of the season to go with a 1.72 ERA across 15 2/3 innings. He’ll likely continue to be part of a committee for save chances along with Andrew Hoffman and Kyle Backhus.

Saalfrank, who is two months removed from concluding a one-year gambling suspension, retired Sam Haggerty, Corey Seager and Marcus Semien in order. He’s allowed only one earned run in 14 innings for the Diamondbacks, though his 9/5 K/BB isn’t very impressive. It’s possible he’ll get additional saves, but no one in the Diamondbacks pen seems like a great option for fantasy rosters right now.

Saalfrank joins Arizona’s relief mix ahead of Wednesday’s showdown against the Padres. The 27-year-old lefty missed nearly all of last year, and a portion of the current season, serving a one-year suspension for violating the league’s gambling policy. He’ll likely operate in low-leverage spots initially for the Diamondbacks.

Saalfrank returned earlier this week on Thursday from a one-year suspension for violating the league’s gambling policy. The 27-year-old southpaw will remain with the organization as extra relief depth.

Saalfrank was one of four players to get a one-year suspension Tuesday, with Tucupita Marcano banned for life. Saalfrank won’t be able to return to the diamond now until June of 2025.

Groome was suspended along with Athletics right-handed pitcher Michael Kelly, Diamondbacks left-hander Andrew Saalfrank, and Phillies infielder Jose Rodriguez for one year. The four players were found guilty of betting on the sport, but they weren’t on the roster or injured list of the team they bet on. That was not the case of Tucupita Marcano, who was banned for life for getting over $87,000 on that situation.

Saalfrank has struggled mightily in two appearances out of the Diamondbacks’ bullpen this season, posting a 36.00 ERA and 6.00 WHIP in his inning of work. Blake Walston was recalled in a corresponding move.