Diamondbacks' 1.24 ERA reliever out for season following surgery

It's never easy when a key part of a club's bullpen is out for an extended period of time due to injury. 

The Arizona Diamondbacks will have to make do and then some. On Monday, MLB.com's Steve Gilbert reported that left-hander Andrew Saalfrank underwent shoulder surgery and will miss the 2026 season. 

Saalfrank, 28, made his Major League debut in 2023 and threw 29 innings last year, recording a 1.24 ERA with 19 strikeouts and just one home run allowed. The former sixth-round pick's performance resulted in a ridiculous 351 ERA+. 

Arizona's bullpen without Saalfrank 

Following Saalfrank's showing last season, it appeared that manager Torey Lovullo could give him an expanded role this year. He held right-handed hitters to a .458 OPS in 72 at-bats. 

Lefties in Arizona's bullpen who could see increased usage in 2026 include Blake Walston, Brandyn Garcia, and Kohl Drake. 

The closer role is currently unclear, with Ryan Thompson, Kevin Ginkel, and 6-foot-7 A.J. Puk as candidates. 

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