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Diamondbacks DFA Pavin Smith, promote rookie Waldschmidt

7/11/2026

31 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Diamondbacks designated first baseman Pavin Smith for assignment, ending the tenure of the former No. 7 overall 2017 draft pick.
The Diamondbacks called up rookie outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt.
Eduardo Rodriguez (7-3, 2.25 ERA) will start the series opener against Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani (8-2, 1.79 ERA).
Kevin Ginkel and Paul Sewald each retired the side in the eighth and ninth innings of the win.

History

Historical Context

The Diamondbacks built their inaugural roster from the November 18 1997 expansion draft, selecting 35 players. Rapid turnover, highlighted by the 1999 100-62 season and the 2001 World Series championship, set a pattern of frequent roster moves. That pattern continues as the club designates 2017 first-rounder Pavin Smith for assignment, promotes rookie Ryan Waldschmidt, and pits Eduardo Rodriguez against Dodgers ace Shohei Ohtani.

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Story summary

The Diamondbacks designated first baseman Pavin Smith for assignment, ending the tenure of the former No. 7 overall 2017 draft pick.
The Diamondbacks called up rookie outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt.
Eduardo Rodriguez (7-3, 2.25 ERA) will start the series opener against Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani (8-2, 1.79 ERA).
Kevin Ginkel and Paul Sewald each retired the side in the eighth and ninth innings of the win.

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