PT TODAY: Pavin Smith to benefit from McCarthy demotion

NATIONAL LEAGUE  |  Jump to AL

Diamondbacks

NEWS: Arizona optioned outfielder Jake McCarthy and recalled corner infielder Emmanuel Rivera.

IMPACT: High

BHQ SPIN: A 99-game 2022 sample in which McCarthy was worth 2.3 fWAR created the impression that he’d be a key member of the 2023 Diamondbacks and that he could be one of the season’s breakout outfielders. Unfortunately, his noodle bat necessitated a change following a slow start (.143 BA; 30 wRC+). The glut of outfielders in Arizona (Corbin Carroll, Alek Thomas, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., and Pavin Smith) makes this surprise demotion possible. Smith will see the largest increase in PT. For Rivera, he’ll likely see most of his at-bats against southpaws, slotting in the lineup at either third...

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