Arizona Diamondbacks Roster News 2015: Right Hander Jhoulys Chacin Is Out, Becomes Free Agent
The Arizona Diamondbacks told right hander Jhoulys Chacin that he likely will be given a minor league assignment, something that the veteran didn't consider as an option. So the team outrighted the Venezuelan from the 40-man roster, prompting him to opt for free agency.
Chacin was a late addition to the team last season where he then went 2-1 with a 3.38 ERA in five games. He also started in four of those five games. Before joining the Diamondbacks, he pitched for the Rockies at the Triple-A level where he was seen spending time with Reno and Columbus.
Arizona's chief baseball officer Tony La Russa earlier said that the pitcher will be included in the team's plans for next year, but this latest news certainly contradicted that earlier statement. Overall, it's fair to say that the 27-year-old international free agent pickup in 2004 had a good stint with the Diamondbacks, even though he only played briefly. He played in 26 innings on a minor league offer.
The move from the Arizona management is expected to be only a first of a series of changes. The D-backs are trying to clear some roster space from the original 40 players, which of course is designed to explore better opportunities for the team to pick up free agents and move with more room in trades, as well as protections for Rule 5 draft eligible players.
After clearing waivers, Chacin is going to see if there are teams interested in his services. He is supposed to be eligible for his third year of arbitration and the Venezuelan has actually produced only five years of playing time in the major leagues.
Upon signing with the Diamondbacks in June, the team reportedly just wanted to add some depth in their rotation. Although he only pitched in a little over 26 innings, he actually had a productive stint with the Diamondbacks compared to his first seasons in Colorado.
