Overview
- The Diamondbacks placed right-hander Zack Littell on release waivers on Thursday after designating him for assignment earlier in the week, and he will become a free agent if unclaimed.
- Arizona signed Littell to a major-league deal on Aug. 9 and used him in three appearances before the DFA triggered by performance concerns.
- In 12 innings with Arizona he allowed 10 earned runs on 21 hits, including five home runs in his final two outings, continuing a trend that saw him give up 36 homers last season and 30 so far this year.
- Financially the Nationals remain on the hook for the bulk of his $3 million salary and a $4 million option buyout, so any claiming club would only assume a prorated league-minimum portion of his pay.
- Given the results and the salary carryover, Littell, a nine-year major-league veteran, is likely to draw limited big-league interest and may be more likely to receive minor-league offers if he clears waivers.