D-backs release LHP Bastardo among roster moves
The Arizona Diamondbacks announced a series of roster moves Tuesday, including the release of veteran left-handed reliever Antonio Bastardo.
Bastardo joined the D-backs on a minor league contract in January. The 32-year-old appeared in only nine games with the Pittsburgh Pirates last season, allowing 15 runs in nine innings, as he spent a good deal of time on the disabled list because of a quad injury. The Pirates released him last July after he cleared waivers.
In 2015, Bastardo had a 2.98 ERA in 66 appearances for Pittsburgh. He struggled in 2016, posting a 4.52 ERA in 69 games between the Pirates and New York Mets. The southpaw had a 3.18 ERA and nine strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings for Arizona this spring.
The Diamondbacks also optioned outfielder Jeremy Hazelbaker, right-hander Jimmie Sherfy and first baseman Christian Walker to Triple-A Reno. Right-hander Neftali Feliz and catcher Anthony Recker were reassigned to minor league camp.
Feliz, the former American League Rookie of the Year and All-Star closer for the Texas Rangers, is with the D-backs on a minor league pact after struggling out the gate as the Milwaukee Brewers' closer last season. The 29-year-old had a 9.00 ERA in six innings this spring, though the bulk of the damage he received came when he allowed five runs on five hits without recording an out on Monday.
--Field Level Media
