Cristian

Mena

There’s a wide range of potential recovery timelines depending on the severity of the strain, but it’ll be a lengthy absence, even on the milder side of the spectrum. The 22-year-old righty hit the injured list over the weekend with a shoulder strain that he suffered while warming up to pitch in relief during Friday’s game against the Reds.

Mena hits the shelf ahead of Saturday’s regularly scheduled contest between the Diamondbacks and Reds after Friday’s suspended game was wrapped up. The 22-year-old righty has compiled a strong 1.35 ERA across 6 2/3 innings (three appearances) this season in the big leagues.

Mena was thrust into action in the sixth inning on Sunday after Corbin Burnes exited with an injury. He went on to allow just one hit and one walk over two scoreless frames while striking out a pair of batters. He has yet to allow an earned run over 5 2/3 innings with the Diamondbacks this season while posting a 0.53 WHIP and a 7/2 K/BB ratio. If he keeps it up, he could work his way into a high-leverage role at the back of the Diamondbacks’ bullpen.

Mena rejoins Arizona’s relief corps prior to Sunday’s series finale against the Nationals. The 22-year-old righty figures to operate in long relief situations. He tossed 3 2/3 scoreless innings earlier this month in his season debut. It was his lone appearance before being shipped back to the minors.

Mena heads back to the minors after making just one relief appearance for Arizona. The 22-year-old righty tossed 3 2/3 scoreless innings with five strikeouts on Friday against the Dodgers. He figures to return at some point in the near future as long relief depth.

Mena joins Arizona’s bullpen for Tuesday’s contest against the Mets and will be making his season debut when he gets into a game. The 22-year-old righty made one start last July for the Diamondbacks before spending the remainder of the year at the Triple-A level.

Massive cuts for the Diamondbacks, and none of these players offer much short-term fantasy value. Díaz did pitch well in his limited time with Arizona last year, and likely will see action before the end of the summer.

Mena heads back to the minors after allowing four runs over three innings on Wednesday in his major-league debut against the Dodgers. The 21-year-old righty figures to get another look at some point later this summer.

Mena got into trouble immediately in this one, giving up a hit and a walk to put two runners on for Freddie Freeman, who took him deep for a three-run blast to put the Dodgers ahead. Teoscar Hernandez followed with a solo homer. Mena tossed two more scoreless frames and end his day after three innings with two strikeouts. He’ll likely retreat back to Triple-A following the spot start against the Dodgers.

The 21-year-old right-hander will be thrown right into the fire, making his big-league debut on Wednesday night against the Dodgers. Mena registered a 4.90 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and an 89/38 K/BB ratio over 82 2/3 innings in 16 starts at Triple-A Reno. He’s certainly not a recommended streaming option for fantasy purposes.