Diamondbacks Strengthen Bullpen with Beeks and Miller Signings

PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Diamondbacks bolstered their bullpen on Wednesday by signing left-hander Jalen Beeks to a one-year, $1.25 million contract and selecting the contract of veteran righty Shelby Miller. These moves come as the team finalizes its roster ahead of the upcoming season.

Beeks, 31, split his time last season with the Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates, appearing in 71 games and posting a 4.50 earned run average (ERA). Following three spring training appearances, he was released by the Houston Astros, from whom he had a minor league contract.

Miller, 34, joined the Diamondbacks as a non-roster invitee and earned a spot on the opening day roster following an impressive exhibition season, which included 11 strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings. His major league salary will be $1 million, while he will earn $200,000 if he is assigned to the minors. Performance bonuses of $50,000 each are available for 10 and 15 appearances, and additional bonuses of $100,000 each for milestones of 20, 30, 35, 40, and 45 appearances, culminating in $150,000 for 50 appearances.

This marks Miller’s second stint with the Diamondbacks. He previously struggled during a three-year period with the team from 2016 to 2018 after being acquired in a trade deal that sent Ender Inciarte and a former No. 1 overall draft pick to the Atlanta Braves.

On the injury front, the Diamondbacks placed left-handed pitcher on the 60-day injured list due to an elbow injury that is anticipated to require Tommy John surgery. As a result, catcher René Pinto was designated for assignment.