Diamondbacks Make Roster Moves Amid Critical Dodgers Series
The Arizona Diamondbacks (61-54) are set to open a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers (69-46) on Friday, August 7, at Chase Field in Phoenix. First pitch is scheduled for 9:40 p.m. ET, with Merrill Kelly (8-9, 5.04 ERA) taking the mound against Los Angeles' Roki Sasaki (5-5, 4.64 ERA).
Ahead of the series, Arizona made several roster adjustments to address its bullpen and catching depth. On Wednesday, the club signed veteran right-hander Dennis Santana to a minor league contract, according to Arizona Sports. Santana, who saved 16 games with a 2.18 ERA for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2025, was designated for assignment earlier this season after his performance declined sharply. He was released by the Pirates on July 29.
In a corresponding transaction on the same day, the Diamondbacks placed reliever Ryan Thompson on the 15-day injured list with a strained lower back. Thompson, 34, struggled in July, posting a 9.00 ERA over 10 innings, and was ineffective in Tuesday's loss to the San Diego Padres. To fill his spot, Arizona recalled left-hander Philip Abner from Triple-A Reno. Additionally, catcher Gabriel Moreno was reinstated from the paternity list, and Adrian Del Castillo was optioned to Triple-A.
Why These Moves Matter for Arizona's Postseason Push
The Diamondbacks are in the thick of the National League playoff race, currently sitting just a few games above .500 as they chase a wild-card spot. The bullpen has been a vulnerability all season, and the front office's recent actions reflect an urgent need to stabilize the relief corps.
Santana's signing is a low-risk, high-reward flier. The 30-year-old was dominant in 2025, striking out 22.2% of batters and inducing ground balls at a 38.9% clip. But this season, those numbers tumbled: his walk rate nearly doubled (from 6.3% to 11.3%), his home run rate more than doubled (from 1.9% to 4.3%), and his strikeout rate dropped to 19.9%. His ground-ball rate fell to 29.4%, and his ERA ballooned to 6.05 in 44 games.
However, Santana's recent track record shows he can still miss bats. He posted a 0.69 ERA in his first 13 outings of 2026 before the collapse, and his slider whiff rate remains strong at 37.6%. He also has a connection to the Diamondbacks: he worked with Arizona bullpen coach Wellington Cepeda while pitching for Team Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.
Thompson's injury adds to the bullpen's instability. The veteran had been a reliable setup option in 2025, but his inflated ERA and WHIP (1.57) this season have been concerning. The D-backs hope Abner, a 24-year-old lefty with a 5.01 ERA in Triple-A, can provide a spark in his third stint with the club.
Santana's Upside and the Diamondbacks' Bullpen Strategy
Santana's signing follows a familiar pattern for Arizona: taking a chance on a former high-leverage arm who has shown flashes of excellence. The article notes that Ryan Thompson himself was a similar reclamation project in 2023, when he signed a minor league deal after posting an ERA over 6.00 with Tampa Bay. Thompson became integral to Arizona's postseason push that year.
Santana's fastball sits in the mid-90s, and his changeup has been praised by analysts. If he can rediscover his 2025 form, he could be a valuable addition down the stretch. However, his 11.3% walk rate and 4.3% home run rate are red flags that the Diamondbacks' coaching staff will need to address.
Arizona's bullpen has been a work in progress all season. The team traded for relievers at the deadline, but GM Mike Hazen admitted, "I didn't get it done" in reference to the team's trade deadline dealings. The bullpen has a collective ERA over 4.50, and the loss of Thompson only adds to the uncertainty.
Key Matchups and Offensive Concerns Against the Dodgers
The Dodgers present a formidable challenge. They lead MLB with a .262 team batting average and rank fourth in runs scored (5.1 per game). Their lineup features Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Andy Pages, and Kyle Tucker, all of whom have driven in at least 50 runs.
The Diamondbacks, meanwhile, have struggled offensively compared to Los Angeles. They rank 27th in home runs with just 111, and their .243 team average is 17th in the league. Corbin Carroll, Ketel Marte, and Nolan Arenado have been productive, but Arizona's inability to hit for power has been a liability.
Merrill Kelly will need to contain a potent Dodgers lineup that scores early and often. Roki Sasaki, on the other hand, has been inconsistent with a 4.64 ERA but possesses electric stuff. The series promises to be a test of Arizona's resilience.
Broader Implications: A Defining Stretch for the Diamondbacks
This series is more than just a three-game set; it could define the Diamondbacks' season. With 47 games remaining, every game against a division rival like the Dodgers carries extra weight. Arizona is in a crowded wild-card race, and a strong showing against the NL's best team would send a message.
Santana's signing is a bet on potential, but it also signals that the Diamondbacks are not content to stand pat. They are looking for any edge to improve their odds. The bullpen remains a work in progress, but with Thompson on the shelf, Santana could be given a chance to prove he still has closer stuff.
Fans will be watching closely as the team hopes to avoid a repeat of last season's late collapse. The Diamondbacks' offense needs to step up, especially with the Dodgers' pitching staff looming. As the season heads into its final stretch, Arizona's roster moves may prove to be the difference between a playoff berth and an early October vacation.
For more on the Diamondbacks' season and other MLB updates, check out our LIV Golf Secures Lead Investor to 2030, but DeChambeau's Future Still Unclear article, and stay tuned for ongoing coverage.
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