Overview
- Multiple outlets confirmed that Arizona cut Joe Ross from Triple-A Reno, making him an unrestricted free agent as reported Wednesday.
- Ross first made the D-backs’ Opening Day roster, threw 3 2/3 major-league innings before being designated for assignment, cleared waivers, elected free agency and then re-signed on a minor-league deal.
- With Triple-A Reno this year he logged 21 innings with a 4.29 ERA, a low strikeout rate but modest walk and ground-ball numbers in a hitter-friendly park.
- A 32-year-old with parts of nine big-league seasons, Ross won a World Series with Washington in 2019 and has a long injury history that includes two Tommy John surgeries and other elbow, back and shoulder procedures.
- Analysts say Ross’s recent uptick in velocity and his stretched-out work make him a cheap, short-term swingman or long-relief option for teams that need depth and are willing to manage his health risks.