D-Backs select 8 more players on draft’s 2nd day
The Diamondbacks finished the second day of the draft without any apparent major overslot selections – that is, with eight more players, following the seven they took on Monday, that seem likely to command bonuses roughly in line with their slot values.
It’s possible that isn’t the case; perhaps some of their selections came with higher price tags than expected. But, 10 rounds into the draft, it looks like the Diamondbacks opted to use their $16 million in spending power in a relatively balanced and straightforward fashion.
Scouting director Deric Ladnier was asked if the club considered pursuing a high-cost player who slipped in the draft and then cutting costs with other picks, something the New York Mets did on Tuesday by taking well-regarded high school pitcher Matthew Allan with their third-round selection and following that up with seven consecutive cost-conscious picks.
“Yes, there were conversations about that,” Ladnier said. “You have to weigh, do you want to spend every last dime on one guy or do you want to try to capitalize and spend it on a couple of guys or three guys? We just felt like it was better for us to try to use that money wisely with a bigger pool than putting it all into one. As you all know, high school pitching is the riskiest there is, especially right-handed high school pitching. We just felt like maybe we don’t want to do that.”
Ladnier said the club went with Georgia Tech first baseman/outfielder Tristin English with its third-round pick in part because there had been a run on college bats on Day 1, when the Diamondbacks had focused primarily on pitching.
They then went back to the high school ranks by selecting outfielder Glenallen Hill Jr., the son of the 13-year big league slugger of the same name. Hill has a different skillset than his father as a switch-hitting, speedy, middle-of-the-field player. Ladnier said the club sees the potential for plus power if things come together for him as a hitter.
Hill, who is committed to Arizona State, could be one of the Diamondbacks’ tougher-to-sign selections.
Lamb close to rehab assignment
Diamondbacks infielder Jake Lamb could be heading out on a rehab assignment as early as Friday.
Lamb has not played since the first week of the season but has participated in some extended spring training games as he rehabs from a quadriceps injury. Lamb was placed on the 10-day injured on April 5.
Although Lamb was temporarily shut down on May 22 after a “neutral day” of rehab, Lamb picked up where he left off and appears close to embarking on a rehab assignment.
“That’s something I know that’s been thrown out there,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said when asked if Lamb could begin a rehab assignment on Friday. “That would be a really good sign if that happens, and we’re hoping that does happen.
“I know he’s eager to get out there. It’s been a while since he’s played a baseball game at a high level.”
Lamb said he will take some at-bats at Salt River Fields on Wednesday and engage in some running activity to go along with ground-ball work on Thursday. If all goes well, Lamb could begin a rehab assignment that would likely take some time given his extended absence.
“For me,” Lovullo said, “the more atbats the better. I want him to get his legs under him and get that sweet swing moving in the right direction. When you get competitive at-bats, you get a feel for where the barrel is and I want Jake to have that feel.
“We’ve got to get him through these two days. He’s in a really good spot.”