Diamondbacks move Opening Day starter Josh Collmenter to bullpen

Josh Collmenter started on Opening Day this season, but the Diamondbacks announced after Friday’s game that he’s headed to the bullpen.

Collmenter had a 3.46 ERA in 28 starts and five relief appearances last season, but he has struggled to the tune of a 5.24 ERA over 12 starts this year. His velocity, which has never been a strength to begin with, is down a tick from where it was last year and he has already allowed 10 home runs in just 68 2/3 innings.

According to Zach Buchanan of the Arizona Republic, Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale said that he thinks a break could be beneficial for Collmenter:

“We think Josh can be successful as a starter,” Hale said. “So maybe going back and doing this and giving him a little break (will help him) get his good stuff back and a spot will open up and he’ll get a chance.”

The Diamondbacks are calling up right-hander Allen Webster to take Collmenter’s spot in the rotation Saturday against the Giants. Acquired from the Red Sox in the Wade Miley deal over the winter, the 25-year-old got a late start on the season due to shoulder fatigue and has a 9.00 ERA and 24/12 K/BB ratio in 23 innings over five starts with Triple-A Reno.

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