Bryan

Augenstein

Augenstein had an uninspiring 4.72 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in 40 minor league innings last season. He’ll simply function as organizational relief depth for the Rays.

Augenstein has an ugly 8.34 career ERA in the majors. He’s doubtful to make an impact for Minnesota.

Augenstein, 27, hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2011 as a member of the Cardinals. He’s organizational fodder.

Augenstein struggled through two starts with a 0-1 record, 7.94 ERA and 1.68 WHIP through 11 1/3 innings. Coupled with yesterday’s doubleheader, the Diamondbacks needed fresh arms in their bullpen.

So he’s allowed 10 runs over his first two starts. Tonight he was punished to the tune of seven hits, including a go-ahead home run to Jeremy Hermida, while walking two and striking out just one. He put himself in an early four-run hole in the second inning and just never got comfortable. You have to wonder what kind of a leash he has at this point.

Augenstein will toe the rubber against a smoking hot Reds lineup Wednesday night. Though his stuff won’t blow anyone away, Augenstein’s 0.78 ERA and 31/6 K/BB ratio in 34 2/3 innings are evidence of his polish. If he handles himself with aplomb, the University of Florida product could stay in the rotation until Brandon Webb returns in late June or July. Considering Arizona’s team-wide hitting slump, Augenstein won’t have much value even if he catches on for a month.

Augenstein alowed three runs in the third and was later charged with the first two runs in a five-run seventh inning. He was efficient and effective when he was attacking Reds hitters with his fastball, but less so when he opted to rely too much on curves and changeups. The showing was decent enough to keep him in the rotation for a while longer.

Augenstein struggled in two starts for the Diamondbacks earlier this year, going 0-1 with a 7.94 ERA and 1.68 WHIP through 11 1/3 innings. He will add depth to the bullpen in September.

Augenstein, a University of Florida product, doesn’t lack for polish and could have started the season in high-A. He ended up 5-1 with a 2.69 ERA, 73 H and 69/9 K/BB in 87 1/3 innings for low Single-A South Bend. With a high-80s fastball and no true strikeout pitch, he’s going to have a difficult time at higher levels. He might have a chance as a reliever if a switch gave him some extra velocity.

Augenstein was lit up for nine runs -- eight earned -- in five innings this spring, effectively taking him out of consideration for the starting rotation. With Brandon Webb likely delayed to start the season, Rodrigo Lopez, Kevin Mulvey or possibly Kris Benson could fill in as a fifth starter.