As the regular season draws near, the Arizona Diamondbacks are continuing the process of shaping and refining the roster that will take the field on Opening Day. Spring training is always a time when teams evaluate talent, test different combinations, and determine which players are best suited for the major league roster. On Sunday, the organization made several additional moves that helped clarify some of those decisions, trimming the number of players still competing in big league camp.
The Diamondbacks announced that three players would be leaving major league camp as the team inches closer to finalizing its roster. Left-handed relief pitcher Philip Abner was optioned to Triple-A Reno, while catcher Aramis Garcia and utility infielder Jacob Amaya were reassigned to minor league camp. These moves slightly narrow the competition within the organization and bring the club closer to determining which players will ultimately secure spots on the roster when the season officially begins.
Following these transactions, the number of players remaining in the Diamondbacks’ big league camp has now been reduced to 33. That number will continue to shrink over the coming days as the team evaluates performance, health, and roster fit before making its final decisions. With Opening Day rapidly approaching, every move the organization makes carries additional significance.
One of the most noteworthy aspects of these roster adjustments involves the situation in the Diamondbacks’ bullpen. Philip Abner had been competing for one of the few available spots among the team’s left-handed relievers. Throughout much of spring training, Abner had been quietly building a solid case for himself. Although his earned run average stood at 4.66, his overall performance was more encouraging than that number alone might suggest.
Across 9.2 innings of work during spring training, Abner recorded 12 strikeouts while issuing only four walks. Those figures indicated that he was capable of generating swings and misses while maintaining reasonable control. His ability to strike out hitters at a high rate was particularly noteworthy, as teams often value relievers who can escape difficult situations without relying on balls put into play.
However, despite several promising outings earlier in the spring, Abner encountered difficulties during his three most recent appearances in Cactus League play. Over a span of just 3.2 innings, he surrendered four earned runs. Those struggles may have influenced the team’s decision to send him to Triple-A for the time being, especially as the competition for bullpen roles intensified.
Abner had essentially been locked in a positional battle with another left-handed pitcher, Brandyn Garcia. Throughout much of camp, the two pitchers were viewed as competing for a similar role within the Diamondbacks’ bullpen. Garcia initially appeared to hold the advantage in that contest due to his powerful pitching arsenal. His high-velocity pitches and aggressive style made him an intriguing option for the bullpen and positioned him as an early favorite to claim a spot.
However, Garcia’s performance took a downturn in his last several appearances. During each of his final three outings of the spring, he struggled significantly with his command and appeared to lose control of the strike zone. That lack of consistency opened the door for Abner to potentially close the gap in the competition, as the Diamondbacks evaluated which pitcher would be more reliable in game situations.
For a moment, it seemed possible that Abner might seize the opportunity and surpass Garcia in the race for a bullpen position. His earlier success during the spring suggested that he had the ability to contribute at the major league level. Nonetheless, the Diamondbacks ultimately chose to option him to Triple-A Reno, likely with the intention of allowing him to continue developing while remaining ready if the team needs additional bullpen help later in the season.
It is important to remember that Abner is still a very young pitcher. At just 23 years old, he has already experienced a rapid rise through the minor league system. During the 2025 season, he advanced through three different minor league levels, beginning at High-A before quickly climbing the organizational ladder. His progression was impressive enough that he eventually reached the major leagues, making a surprising MLB debut that many observers had not anticipated so soon.
Given his age and development trajectory, the Diamondbacks clearly view Abner as a pitcher with long-term potential. While he will start the upcoming season at Triple-A, the experience he gained during major league camp could prove valuable as he continues to refine his skills and prepare for future opportunities.
Another player involved in Sunday’s roster moves was Jacob Amaya, who had been enjoying a particularly productive spring training. Amaya’s offensive numbers during Cactus League play stood out among his teammates. He compiled a strong slash line of .341/.375/.477 while also hitting two home runs. In addition, he led the team with 10 runs batted in during the spring schedule.
Those statistics highlighted Amaya’s ability to contribute offensively, especially in run-producing situations. His versatility also made him an appealing option for the Diamondbacks’ roster. As a utility infielder capable of playing multiple positions, including shortstop, he offered valuable depth that teams often seek when constructing a bench.
Throughout spring training, Amaya had been competing alongside veteran infielder Ildemaro Vargas for a similar role. Both players were considered potential depth options capable of filling in at shortstop if needed. Their ability to cover multiple positions made the competition between them particularly important for the Diamondbacks’ roster planning.
In the end, Vargas appears to have gained the upper hand in that battle, at least for now. The veteran infielder delivered an even more impressive offensive performance during spring training, posting a remarkable slash line of .390/.405/.561 over 14 games. His consistent hitting and previous contributions to the team likely strengthened his case for remaining on the major league roster.
Vargas had already demonstrated his value to the Diamondbacks during the 2025 season, when he provided solid production and versatility in a variety of roles. That experience, combined with his excellent spring performance, likely influenced the team’s decision as it evaluated which player would best complement the roster heading into the regular season.
Although Amaya will begin the season in the minor leagues, his strong spring showing could position him as one of the first players considered for a call-up if the Diamondbacks require additional infield depth during the year. His ability to hit and play multiple defensive positions ensures that he remains an important part of the organization’s depth chart.
The third player included in Sunday’s moves was catcher Aramis Garcia, whose reassignment to minor league camp did not come as a major surprise. Garcia is expected to serve as a veteran presence at the Triple-A level, providing experienced depth behind the plate. Having a seasoned catcher available in the minors can be extremely valuable for organizations, especially in case injuries or other roster needs arise during the long season.
Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks appear confident in their current catching situation at the major league level. Gabriel Moreno is expected to be ready for Opening Day, which significantly reduces the immediate need for additional catchers on the active roster. Moreno had recently been dealing with some forearm tightness, raising minor concerns about his availability. However, he was included in Sunday’s lineup behind the plate, indicating that his condition has improved and that he is progressing toward full readiness.
Assuming Moreno remains healthy, he is projected to serve as the team’s primary catcher during the upcoming season. Veteran catcher James McCann is expected to provide support in the backup role. McCann’s experience and defensive abilities make him a reliable option to complement Moreno throughout the year.
Of course, baseball seasons rarely unfold exactly as planned, and injuries or unexpected circumstances can quickly alter roster dynamics. For that reason, having players like Garcia available at the Triple-A level ensures that the Diamondbacks are prepared to address any issues that may arise behind the plate.
As the team continues its preparations for Opening Day, several important decisions still remain. While Sunday’s roster moves helped clarify certain competitions within the organization, other battles are still ongoing. The coaching staff and front office will continue evaluating players over the final days of spring training to determine which individuals best fit the roster both competitively and strategically.
Ultimately, the recent transactions suggest that at least two of the position battles within the Diamondbacks’ camp are beginning to reach their conclusions. The competition for a left-handed bullpen spot and the race for an infield utility role appear to have shifted toward specific players, though the final roster has yet to be officially confirmed.
With the start of the regular season approaching quickly, the Diamondbacks are entering the final phase of their roster-building process. Each decision made during this period reflects careful consideration of player performance, roster balance, and long-term organizational planning.
While some players will head to the minor leagues to continue their development, others will remain in contention for spots on the Opening Day roster. For those still competing in camp, every remaining opportunity on the field carries added importance as they aim to secure a place on the team that will begin the season representing Arizona in Major League Baseball.
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