Diamondbacks designate Trevor Cahill for assignment
The Arizona Diamondbacks designated pitcher Trevor Cahill for assignment as part of a series of moves on Monday afternoon, bringing an ugly end to the once-promising lefty’s career with the franchise. The team now has 10 days to take the next step, which means trading him, releasing him or placing him through waivers.
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Cahill, 26, was acquired by the Diamondbacks in Dec. 2011 in a major deal with the Oakland Athletics. Considered one of the better young pitchers at the time, he performed well in his debut season with the team, posting a 3.78 ERA with 156 strikeouts and 78 walks over 200 innings.
However, after seeing a dip in his numbers last season, 2014 has been an outright disaster for Cahill. Four miserable starts to open the season dropped him from the rotation, and he hasn’t fared much better in a bullpen role. The overall numbers aren’t pretty: 1-6 win-loss record, 5.66 ERA, 44 strikeouts, 25 walks in 41.1 innings.
Set to make $7.7 million this season and $12 million next season in the final two guarantees years of a massive extension signed back in 2011, the Diamondbacks have instead decided to cut the cord and see if they can recoup some of their losses. It’s unlikely some team will pick up much of the deal, however, given the struggles Cahill has had this season.
Then again, there are some positive signs for Cahill, as well. His FIP, which takes into account strikeouts, walks and homers to estimate a pitcher’s proper ERA, sits at 4.09, while his average fastball velocity of 90.1 is the highest its been since 2010. So he’ll definitely be finding a new home soon, regardless of how that happens.
In addition to DFA’ing Cahill, the Diamondbacks also placed infielder Eric Chavez on the 15-day disabled list. Pitchers J.J. Putz and Will Harris will replace them on the active roster.