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The Arizona Diamondbacks currently have the worst bullpen in Major League Baseball, and it’s likely the team’s latest addition won’t do much to help that.
The D-Backs signed reliever Luis Ayala to a minor-league contract today, which is the team’s latest move in its attempt to improve the bullpen’s current, league-worst 7.90 ERA.
It’s encouraging that the D Backs recognize how pitiful its bullpen has been this season and are taking steps to improve it — recently releasing right-hander Bob Howry and designating right-hander Blaine Boyer for assignment — but Ayala’s last two seasons haven’t exactly been on par with the likes of New York Yankees nearly flawless closer Mariano Rivera.
The 32-year-old Ayala had some success early in his career when he played for the Expos/Nationals from 2003-2007. During that time, Ayala posted a 2.82 ERA.
His last two seasons haven’t been quite as impressive.
While pitching for the New York Mets, the Minnesota Twins, and the Florida Marlins, Ayala’s ERA was 5.67 — 5.71 in 2008 and 5.63 in 2009.
The D-Backs other new addition, Saul Rivera, got off to a rocky start in his first appearance with the club on Tuesday, giving up five runs — including two homers — in one inning.
