Kade

Strowd

The 28-year-old hurler had been expected to crack the Diamondbacks’ Opening Day bullpen but he struggled to a 10.57 ERA and 2.09 WHIP over 7 2/3 innings during Cactus League competition which may have caused the Diamondbacks to reassess. He’ll attempt to get back on track at the Triple-A level to start the season.

Despite strong strikeout rates, Strowd’s track record as a minor league reliever is pretty bad. However, he did muster a 1.71 ERA in 26 1/3 innings for the Orioles as a rookie last season. Strowd works at 94-98 mph with his fastball, but his low-90s cutter is his best pitch, making him about as effective against lefties as righties. He doesn’t project especially well going forward, but in a wide open Arizona pen, pretty much anyone who gets off to a good start could wind up closing for a time.

Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic notes that the Diamondbacks will receive Kade Strowd, Wellington Aracena and Jose Mejia in return for the versatile 26-year-old. Alexander has shown intriguing power potential in his limited big league work, but his paths to a full-time job were blocked in Arizona. They don’t appear to be much better in Baltimore as he’ll likely function in a utility role to open the season. If he does find full-time at-bats though, he could be an intriguing late-round option for fantasy purposes.

With Felix Bautista landing on the IL, it will be Strowd taking his place in the bullpen. The 27-year-old has a 4.15 ERA with three strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings out of the bullpen for Baltimore this season.

Strowd’s latest stint with the Orioles lasted roughly 48 hours over a two-game span. The 27-year-old righty has done a serviceable job this season in three relief appearances for Baltimore at the highest level.

Strowd is up as a fresh bullpen arm. He’ll likely work in low-leverage situations while he’s with Baltimore in this stint.

Strowd allowed one run in one inning of work during his second brief stint with the Orioles this season.

Strowd has been summoned to bolster Baltimore’s overworked bullpen ahead of Sunday’s contest against the Nationals. The 27-year-old righty was called up last month for the first time in his career, but didn’t end up making an appearance. He’ll likely operate in long relief for the Orioles as they continue to shake things up following a disappointing start to the year.

Strowd did not pitch during his one day with the Orioles.

It’s the first stint in the majors for Strowd, who, in spite of a 5.44 ERA as a minor league reliever last year, was added to the 40-man over the winter. Considering that he had an 8.10 ERA in 10 innings for Norfolk to open this year, one imagines it will be a short stay. The Orioles will need to make another move Tuesday with Kyle Gibson expected to be added.