Brandon Allen and Geoff Blum Join Diamondbacks; Replace Wily Mo Pena and Juan Miranda
By Editorial Staff
In preparation of the start of their second half, the Diamondbacks made a flurry of roster moves yesterday.
Arizona called up first baseman Brandon Allen and activated Geoff Blum from the disabled list. To make room for the duo the Diamondbacks optioned Juan Miranda to the minors and designated Wily Mo Pena for assignment.
Allen has spent stints in the majors over the past two seasons. The 25 year old posted a line of .267/.393/.400 in 22 games with the Diamondbacks last year.
He’s always been a solid performer while in the minors, but has been exceptional this season in Triple-A. Over the 83 games he’s played this season, Allen has notched 18 home runs, 21 doubles and 66 RBIs while sustaining an OPS of 1.006.
Arizona’s primarily used Xavier Nady and Miranda at first this season, but neither has posted an OPS over .720. The Diamondbacks are hoping Allen will become a mainstay at first for the club, and are planning to give him every opportunity to prove himself at the major league level.
"“He’s going to get a lot of playing time,” Diamondbacks’ manager Kirk Gibson said. “He’s played well. He’s always had really good production numbers, and we’re looking for more production out of that spot.”"
Blum has been out since undergoing knee surgery this spring. Arizona signed the 38 year old to a 2 year $2.7 million deal this November.
Pena only played in 17 games with the Diamondbacks before getting the boot. He made one start in left field but was primarily used as a pinch hitter and DH during interleague play.
Though the 29 year old only had 9 hits over his 46 at bats, he did manage to tally 5 home runs. While his average sat below the Mendoza Line, Pena posted an impressive slugging percentage of .522.
Arizona is confident in Miranda’s abilities, but wants him to work his issues out in the minors. The 28 year old started off the season well enough as an exceptional May had Miranda entering June with a line of .250/.366/.481.
But Miranda quickly lost himself at the plate, only managing 11 hits over his last 70 at bats.
"“This isn’t like a goodbye thing,” Gibson said. “We still believe he can play more consistently than he has recently. It’s not easy for anybody. It got to the point where he was playing OK, then it started going the other way on him and he started pressing.”"
Arizona will resume play tonight as they begin their weekend series against the Dodgers. They start the second half 3.5 games behind the San Francisco Giants in the NL West.
For more on the Diamondbacks, be sure to check out Venom Strikes.