Diamondbacks Activate Max Kepler After 80-Game Suspension

Overview

• Kepler was added to Arizona’s active roster on Thursday after finishing his 80-game PED suspension and a 10-game minor‑league tune-up.
• To open a major-league roster spot the club optioned infielder/outfielder Tim Tawa to Triple-A Reno and optioned lefty Mitch Bratt after his spot start.
• Arizona must now clear a place on the 40-man roster because Kepler had been on the restricted list, with right‑hander Ryne Nelson identified as a likely candidate to move to a 60-day injured list.
• The 33-year-old left-handed hitter is expected to serve mostly as a platoon option against right-handed pitching and will see time in left field and at designated hitter.
• Kepler’s short tune-up produced strong results (he hit .333/.474/.567 with two homers and seven walks) and he will be ineligible for postseason play because of the suspension.