The Arizona Diamondbacks have designated 28-year old lefty starting pitcher Dontrelle Willis for assignment. Willis pitched in 6 games (5 starts) for the D-Backs this season and he was 1-1 with a 6.85 ERA and a 2.28 WHIP. He walked 27 batters in only 22 1/3 innings for the D-Backs which was probably the biggest reason that he will be looking for a new job. The Diamondbacks have recalled 23-year old lefty reliever Jordan Norberto to replace Willis on the pitching staff. Norberto was the D-Backs’ #29 rated prospect heading into this season according to Baseball America. Norberto pitched in 6 games (0 starts) earlier this season for the D-Backs and he was 0-0 with a 9.00 ERA and a 2.67 WHIP. Norberto has also pitched in 21 games (0 starts) in AAA-ball this season and he was 3-0 with 4 saves, a 3.07 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP. Norberto whiffed 38 batters in 29 1/3 AAA innings showing that he has good stuff but he has also walked 19 batters which is way too many. The D-Backs hope Norberto will do better this time around.

Greg Olson was the D-Backs closer for the first two years in team history. He pitched in 125 games (0 starts) those two years and he was 12-8 with 44 saves, a 3.34 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP. Olson only gave up 110 hits in 129 1/3 innings in his two years with the Diamondbacks. Olson is still fifth in team history with his 44 saves! His years with the D-Backs were his last effective ones. He pitched in 2 years for the Dodgers appearing in 41 games (0 starts) after leaving Arizona and he was 0-2 with a 6.80 ERA and a 1.75 WHIP. Olson wasn’t with the D-Backs long but he still has a place in team history.