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Diamondbacks Promote Waldschmidt, Designate Thomas Amid Production Push

5/9/2026

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Summary

Diamondbacks Promote Waldschmidt

Diamondbacks promoted prospect Ryan Waldschmidt from Triple-A Reno and designated Alek Thomas for assignment on May 8, 2026.
Waldschmidt hit .289 with three homers, 22 RBIs and an .877 OPS in 156 plate appearances while Thomas batted .181 with two homers in 100 plate appearances and has a .230 average.
Manager Torey Lovullo and GM Mike Hazen said the move reflects confidence that Waldschmidt can boost production at bottom of order.

Summary

Waldschmidt Debut

When Player Waldschmidt recorded his MLB hit, a clip showed his parents and brother cheering.
Waldschmidt waited for a pitch at his debut, saying routine kept him grounded.
Manager Torey Lovullo praised Waldschmidt’s engaged approach, noting he was not glossy-eyed.
He was hit in the helmet days before his promotion and entered the meeting shirtless.
His parents flew from New Orleans to Phoenix while brother Logan missed a college start.

Summary

Waldschmidt Joins

Arizona added Dylan Waldschmidt—ranked No. 49 (MLB Pipeline), No. 35 (FanGraphs), No. 63 (ESPN) and No. 41 (Baseball America)—to its roster after Corbin Carroll won NL Rookie of the Year.
He walks 12.2% (MLB avg 8.4%), posts 26% whiff, 8.6% barrel rates in Triple-A, top-20 chase.
An ACL tear delayed his year at Kentucky, dropping him to 31st pick in 2024 draft, his flexibility threatening Jorge Barrosa’s spot and Jordan Lawlar’s playing time.

History

Historical Context

The Arizona Diamondbacks entered MLB in 1998, and by 2001 became the fastest expansion franchise to capture a World Series, defeating the New York Yankees in seven games. Owner Jerry Colangelo’s emphasis on home-grown talent created a pipeline that still guides decisions; today manager Torey Lovullo and GM Mike Hazen promoted Triple-A infielder Ryan Waldschmidt, echoing that early development strategy.

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Diamondbacks Promote Waldschmidt

Diamondbacks promoted prospect Ryan Waldschmidt from Triple-A Reno and designated Alek Thomas for assignment on May 8, 2026.
Waldschmidt hit .289 with three homers, 22 RBIs and an .877 OPS in 156 plate appearances while Thomas batted .181 with two homers in 100 plate appearances and has a .230 average.
Manager Torey Lovullo and GM Mike Hazen said the move reflects confidence that Waldschmidt can boost production at bottom of order.

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