Dbacks Add Zack Littell to Pitching Staff

The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed right-hander Zack Littell to a one-year contract, a move that could provide a boost to their pitching staff. Littell, who has traditionally been a starting pitcher, struggled in that role with the Washington Nationals this year, posting a 6.18 ERA as a starter.

However, in relief, Littell has been much more effective, with a 3.18 ERA in that role. He’s delivered four-plus innings as a reliever in all but one of his nine appearances in that role, and has even served as a “bulk starter” behind a short-outing opener.

Ahead of Monday’s game, manager Torey Lovullo discussed Littell’s usage, saying that he would be used primarily as a bullpen arm for the time being. Lovullo noted that Littell’s ability to go well beyond a traditional two- or three-inning long reliever will allow him to serve a unique role and preserve the rest of Arizona’s bullpen if needed.

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Littell has expressed comfort with whatever role the Diamondbacks require of him, and may also be a depth option for the rotation if needed. “I think they’re very much in the boat of I’ve kind of done a little bit of everything, and they may ask a little bit of everything,” Littell said. The team’s front office and staff were a major factor in his decision to join the Diamondbacks.

Littell chose the Diamondbacks over other options due to the team’s staff. “I think the group, the guys in the front office, the staff they put in place here was a good fit for me and a good opportunity to come over here,” he said. Littell also noted that he wants to continue to develop and improve as a pitcher, and feels that the Diamondbacks can help him achieve that goal.

Manager Torey Lovullo seems to share that sentiment, saying that there’s still room for growth in Littell’s career. “What I told him this afternoon is that there’s still room for growth in your career,” Lovullo said. “He’s 30 years old. He’s had a lot of really good moments. If he ends up being a bullpen guy for us, things might spike. Things might get better. It might be a new thing that he’s able to do.”

As the Diamondbacks look to integrate Littell into their pitching staff, it’s likely that he’ll be used in a variety of roles. With his ability to pitch multiple innings, he could be a valuable asset to the team.

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Given Littell’s history as a starter, it’s possible that he could be called upon to make a start for the Diamondbacks if needed. However, for now, it seems that he’ll be used primarily as a bullpen arm. As Lovullo noted, Littell is stretched out and can give the team 100 pitches if needed.

Littell’s statistics show a clear split between his performance as a starter and reliever. His 6.18 ERA as a starter is significantly higher than his 3.18 ERA in relief. This suggests that he may be more effective in a bullpen role, where he can focus on pitching in shorter stints.

Littell also noted that he wants to play for a really good team that has been playing really, really good baseball here lately, it’s exciting.