Diamondbacks designate Zack Littell for assignment after two poor outings

The Arizona Diamondbacks designated right-hander Zack Littell for assignment on Monday, moving him off the active roster after two ineffective outings in which he allowed 12 runs across 7.1 innings. The move came as part of a series of roster adjustments that also saw right-hander Drey Jameson reinstated from the 15-day injured list and right-hander Michael Soroka placed on the 15-day IL with right shoulder inflammation, per MLB.com's Steve Gilbert.

Littell had joined Arizona on a major league deal a couple of weeks prior after being released by the Nationals. His two most recent appearances proved costly enough to prompt the front office to clear his spot on the active roster. Under the terms of a designation for assignment, the club has seven days to trade, release, or place him on waivers.

What happened

The Diamondbacks announced the roster moves on Monday afternoon. Jameson, a right-hander who had been sidelined since late July with right hip inflammation, was brought back to active duty. To make room, Littell was designated for assignment. In a separate transaction, Soroka was moved to the 15-day IL, and righty Gerardo Carrillo was recalled to fill the vacancy on the active roster.

These moves left Arizona's 40-man roster at 39 players, indicating the club had flexibility to absorb the changes without exceeding its limit.

Why it matters

The Diamondbacks are in the thick of a pennant race, sitting at 76-68 (.528) and holding second place in the NL West, though 10 games back of the division leader. With the regular season winding down and every roster spot carrying weight, the club cannot afford to carry underperforming arms. Littell's inability to record quality outings made him expendable, particularly with Jameson available to return and contribute.

Soroka's placement on the IL removes another starter from the rotation during a critical stretch. Manager Torey Lovullo downplayed the severity of Soroka's shoulder inflammation, telling the Arizona Republic's Jose M. Romero and other reporters that the right-hander is expected to be ready by the sixteenth day of his IL stint. Lovullo indicated the plan is to rest Soroka for a few days, get him throwing again, and minimize the time missed. The language suggests the club views this as a precautionary measure rather than a long-term concern, though the 15-day IL assignment means Soroka will miss at least two weeks of action.

Jameson's return bolsters the pitching depth at a moment when the rotation faces attrition. His hip inflammation appears to have resolved sufficiently for a return to competition, though his workload will likely be monitored as he ramps back up.

The timing of these moves reflects the operational calculus of late August. Roster flexibility becomes paramount as clubs balance immediate needs against the expanded September rosters that begin in a week. Arizona's decision to carry only 39 players on the 40-man roster preserves an open slot for future additions, whether that means a waiver claim, a trade acquisition, or the activation of another injured player.

The numbers

Littell's brief tenure with Arizona was defined by two disastrous outings. Over 7.1 innings across those two appearances, he surrendered 12 runs, an unsustainable rate for any pitcher in a competitive rotation or bullpen.

Jameson had been out since late July, a span of roughly four weeks. His return adds a right-handed arm to a staff that has leaned heavily on its starters during the playoff push.

Where the club stands

Arizona enters the week on a two-game winning streak, a modest momentum builder as the calendar turns toward September. The Diamondbacks hold a 76-68 record, good for second place in the NL West but 10 games behind the division leader. The Cubs visit Chase Field for a three-game series beginning Monday, with Merrill Kelly probable against Kevin Gausman. Brandon Pfaadt is slated to start Tuesday against Clay Holmes, and Eduardo Rodriguez is lined up for Wednesday against Matthew Boyd.

The Diamondbacks' second-place standing leaves little margin for error. Every series carries playoff implications, and the rotation's health will be central to whether Arizona can close the gap or secure a wild-card berth. Soroka's absence, even if temporary, forces the club to lean more heavily on its remaining starters and the depth pieces like Jameson.

The expanded September rosters, which allow clubs to carry 28 players instead of 26, will arrive in a week. That additional flexibility may ease some of the roster pressure Arizona faces now, allowing the front office to carry extra arms without sacrificing position-player depth.

What we don't know yet

The exact timeline for Soroka's return remains uncertain. Lovullo's optimistic framing suggests a 16-day window, but shoulder inflammation can be unpredictable, and the club may choose to extend his rest if symptoms persist. Whether Jameson will be eased back into a full workload or deployed immediately in high-leverage situations is also unclear.

Littell's fate over the next seven days is unconfirmed. The Diamondbacks could trade him, release him outright, or place him on waivers. His recent performance makes a claim unlikely, but the major league deal structure he arrived on may affect how other clubs view a potential acquisition.

Carrillo's role with the big-league club is also undefined. The right-hander was recalled to fill Soroka's active roster spot, but whether he will be used as a starter, a long reliever, or a multi-inning option depends on the club's immediate needs and the performance of the existing rotation.

What to watch

Jameson's first appearance back from the IL will gauge his effectiveness and whether the hip inflammation has truly resolved. A strong outing would validate the club's decision to bring him back; a rough return could signal the injury needs more time.

Soroka's status updates as the 15-day window progresses will clarify the severity of his shoulder inflammation. If the club moves him to the 60-day IL, it would free a 40-man roster spot and suggest a longer recovery than Lovullo's initial comments implied. Conversely, an early activation would indicate the inflammation responded well to rest.

The rotation's performance against the Cubs this week will test Arizona's depth. With Soroka out and Jameson still ramping up, the burden falls on Kelly, Pfaadt, and Rodriguez to deliver quality starts. The series outcome could shape Arizona's confidence heading into the final month.

Littell's next destination, whether via trade, release, or waivers, will close the loop on a brief and unsuccessful stint in the desert. The Diamondbacks' willingness to move on so quickly underscores the urgency of their playoff chase and the narrow tolerance for underperformance at this stage of the season.