Breaking Down the D-Backs Summer Camp Roster

Alex Young, LHP

Young had a breakout year in 2019, which he split between Reno and Arizona. With the big league club dealing with injuries and lack of starting pitching depth, he was called up as an emergency starter in June despite a 6.09 ERA in the minors. But the south paw thrived at baseball's highest level, posting a 7-5 record with a 3.56 ERA and never returned to Reno.

On his conference call with the press to discuss the roster, Diamondbacks General Manager Mike Hazen admitted that Young had proved the team wrong in their assessment of him and seemed impressed by the strides the youngster had made. It appears he will be competing for an Opening Day role, whether it is as a starter or out of the bullpen.

Kevin Cron, 1B/DH

After launching 38 home runs in just 84 games with the Aces last year, Cron sees new opportunity at the major league level with the National League adopting the Designated Hitter this season as some have questions about his defensive prowess. Nonetheless, he did get a taste of MLB last year appearing in 39 games and picked up 16 RBIs.

Kevin Ginkel, RHP

A powerful bullpen arm out of the University of Arizona, he has ascended through Arizona's system as quickly as his fastball velocity. Last year, Ginkel started the campaign in Double-A Jackson but was called-up to Reno in May. With the Aces he put up numbers rarely seen in the Pacific Coast League, a 1.62 ERA, 30 SO in 16.2 IP, and a 1.08 WHIP; earning a major league call-up in August. There, he continued to pitch incredibly well for the Diamondbacks as they competed for a postseason birth to the tune of a 1.48 ERA. It will be interesting to see how he slots into Arizona's bullpen this season.

Josh Rojas, UTIL

Aces fans may not remember this face, as he appeared in only 8 games for Reno in 2019 after being traded from the Houston Astros Organization for Zach Greinke. Considered a top prospect in baseball, Rojas made his major league debut in August of last year and appeared in 41 games. He is lightening quick and able to play multiple infield and outfield positions which would give Arizona flexibility with their line-ups/substitutions this season. Also, the major leagues are adopting the minor league extra innings rule of having a runner start on second base and Rojas would be the ideal pinch-run candidate.

More #Aceball Notes

• Yasmany Tomas was omitted from the player pool for the time being. GM Mike Hazen indicated that the organization had strongly considered him.
• Silvino Bracho, who last pitched for Reno in 2018 and has been recovering from Tommy John Surgery, will start the season on the 60-day IL.
• "We built the roster with depth in mind," noted Hazen. "I think this team is a bunch of really good baseball players, and I like that."