Multiple roster moves made in Omaha.(42.18)

[niles08]

The Hawks announced several moves prior to today’s game including the demotion of pitcher Juan Garcia to AAA Lincoln. Garcia, who was acquired over the off-season from Yellow Springs has struggled through 49 BBA innings to start his career. Garcia has a 6.94 FIP thanks to the fact opposing batters are homering 7% of the time off of him. Without those, looking at his xFIP, which brings the home runs to fly ball ratio average to the league, it is a much more respectable 3.85. However, Garcia simply doesn’t seem to have anywhere to pitch in the rotation as of yet, although if the club moved on from Arrelano by way of trade it’s likely Garcia would be the one to slide into that spot.

Also announced was the demotion of MIF Jake Williams, the well-known younger brother of Hawks GM Justin Niles. Despite the great glove of Williams, he just can’t put it together at the plate and was on his way to putting together another negative WAR season. Look for Williams to likely be recalled in September when rosters expand.

Now for the news on these guys replacements, and don't get too excited Hawk Nation, it's not the one guy many are wanting.

Edgardo Diaz, who was sent down earlier this year has been recalled and is said to be primarily planned to be used against left-handed hitters, likely in the DH role rather than first base fielding position he played earlier this season. Diaz came up hot in 2040 and faded quickly last season and even more so this year, thanks in part to a .210 batting average of balls in play (compared to a league-average hovering above .300). While some question his ability to hit right-handed pitching, he did well in his first season and his left/right split this season isn’t as far as imagined. Still expect to see him play against lefties, especially with Yong out for the next four weeks. With the addition of Diaz, you may have guessed that the other player is not the Hawks 2042 first-round pick Wilson Estrada. If so, you are unsurprisingly correct.

While Estrada has the attention of many fans, the front office is clearly taking their time with him and despite added pressure after the Outlaws called up Pedro Bustamante this week, Omaha seems to be content. While Estrada is currently playing primarily third base in the minors, another thought that has rippled through the front office is to simply have Diaz play against lefties next season and Estrada play against righties, however, Diaz's defense is still a question.

The other call up is a cringe name among many fans and one who’s absence was just pointed out days ago as to why the team ERA is likely better. Well, buckle up for this one. Thomas Rodriguez has been recalled from AAA. Rodriguez, who is entering his 5th full season with the club, despite only a shade above 3 years of major league service, has been pretty rough the past few seasons when based on his ERA and his FIP didn’t do him any favors or suggest it’s bad luck. Now, however, Rodriguez will square up in the bullpen and is expecting to share “stopper” duties with Norio Hayashi and Tony Medine.

[bigmike13]

I think that is the right call for Estrada

[niles08]

I'm actually kind of excited to have a platoon at 1B with him and Diaz if Diaz can learn to catch a ball thrown his way.

[bigmike13]

I agree, that is an exciting future