Arizona Diamondbacks Roster
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The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed relief pitcher Mark Melancon, according to a tweet from MLB Network's Jon Heyman. Per Heyman, it's a two-year deal that includes a third-year option with a $2 million buyout. Including the buyout, the contract is for $14 million with an additional $2 million potentially in incentives. The veteran reliever pitched for the division-rival San Diego Padres in 2021, notching 39 saves in 64 appearances. Melancon also pitched to a 2.23 ERA and a 3.36 FIP in 64 2/3 innings while registering 59 strikeouts and 25 walks. He seems like a decent bet to close games for the Diamondbacks with Joe Mantiply, Noe Ramirezand J.B. Wendelken on hand as setup options.
The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired outfielder Jordan Luplow from the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday in exchange for infielder Ronny Simon. In a corresponding move, the D-backs designated right-handed pitcher Brett De Geus for assignment. Luplow hits from the right side and has mostly been a platoon bat at outfield and first base in his five big-league seasons. Luplow hasn't had more than 261 plate appearances in any one season, but he does have a decent .245/.360/.539 career slash line with a 14.3% walk rate and 23 home runs in 378 plate appearances against left-handed pitchers. Luplow should provide a nice platoon option for Arizona's young outfield. Simon is a switch-hitting infield prospect that hit .249/.343/.475 with 15 home runs and 12 steals in 449 plate appearances with Low-A Visalia last season.
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder David Peralta is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Colorado Rockies. He will head to the bench after driving in a run in back-to-back games. Barring a pinch-hit appearance, the Diamondbacks outfielder will finish the 2021 campaign slashing .259/.324/.402 with eight homers, 63 RBI, 57 runs scored, and two stolen bases over 537 plate appearances. Henry Ramos is starting in left field and batting sixth in Sunday's game. Ramos has struggled at the plate in 20201, slashing .191/.235/.298 over 51 plate appearances. Fantasy managers can avoid using Ramos as a streamer on Sunday.
Arizona Diamondbacks' second baseman Ketel Marte is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Colorado Rockies. He will take a seat for the year's final game after starting in the past eight contests. Barring a pinch-hit appearance, Marte will finish the 2021 season slashing .319/.378/.534 slash line, 14 homers, 50 RBI, 52 runs scored, and two stolen bases over 373 plate appearances. Josh VanMeter will handle second base duties and is batting second in Sunday's game. He went 2-for-5 with an RBI and a stolen base in Saturday's 11-2 win over the Rockies. VanMeter is a deep-league option for fantasy managers looking for a streamer in today's main slate.
Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Josh Rojas will be on the bench for Saturday's game against the Colorado Rockies and right-handed starter Antonio Senzatela. Rojas is batting .263 with a .339 on-base percentage, 11 home runs, and nine stolen bases in 545 plate appearances this season. Rojas started at third base on Friday, but it'll be Josh VanMeter getting the start at the hot corner on Saturday. VanMeter is batting .205 with a .293 on-base percentage, five home runs, and two stolen bases in 300 plate appearances this season. Fantasy managers are probably better off looking elsewhere for streaming help.