Diamondbacks tab reliever Tyler Jones in Rule 5 draft
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. – The Diamondbacks added what they consider a power arm to their bullpen mix on Thursday morning, selecting right-hander Tyler Jones from the New York Yankees organization in the Rule 5 draft.
Jones is coming off his best season as a professional. Pitching for Double-A Trenton, he posted a 2.17 ERA in 45 2/3 innings with 67 strikeouts and only 11 walks and one home run allowed. He allowed just one run in his final 25 2/3 innings.
“We’ve had our eye on him,” Diamondbacks General Manager Mike Hazen said. “He had a great second half in Double-A for the Yankees. Good power arm, good fastball, power curveball. This was an area that we wanted to have one spot (in the bullpen) to bring in and compete. So we think it’s a worthwhile opportunity to take another guy with a power arm and bring him into the mix.”
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The Diamondbacks are hoping he’s something of a late-bloomer at 27.
“I think in these types of situations it’s one of those things where guys can develop later,” Hazen said. “If they develop earlier, a lot of times they’re protected on a roster or something. When it comes together later, sometimes you get opportunities like this.”
Hazen said Diamondbacks scouts have seen Jones feature a fastball in the 94-97 mph range.
As a Rule 5 pick, Jones will have to remain on the Diamondbacks’ roster all season or be placed on waivers before being offered back to the Yankees.
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Reach Piecoro at (602) 444-8680 or nick.piecoro@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @nickpiecoro.
