The Diamondbacks announced a few roster moves prior to Sunday’s game. As was previously reported, lefty Dallas Keuchel was selected to the roster to start the game. To create room on the active roster, right-hander Sean Poppen was optioned following Saturday's game. To create space on the 40-man roster, righty Ryan Weiss was designated for assignment.
A fourth round selection in the 2018 draft, Weiss was primarily a starter in his first few years as a pro. Based on a solid showing at some stops in the lower levels of the minors, he was ranked the #18 prospect in the system by Baseball America in 2019. As Weiss has climbed the ladder, however, he’s been gradually transitioned into bullpen duty. Last year, between Double-A and Triple-A, he threw 78 1/3 innings with a 4.60 ERA, 27% strikeout rate and 9.5% walk rate.
That was enough for Weiss to get added to the club’s 40-man roster in November, ahead of the Rule 5 draft that ended up getting quashed by the lockout. This year, however, things have gone south for Weiss, as he’s put up a 5.74 ERA in 26 2/3 innings, again split between Double-A and Triple-A. He’s improved his walk rate to 6.7% but also seen his strikeout rate dip to 20.8%.
Based on those mediocre results this season, it’s easy to see why the Diamondbacks felt they had to move on. However, he may still have appeal to other clubs based due to the fact that he’s still just 25 years old and has all three of his option years remaining.
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