Bumgarner was released by the Diamondbacks on Wednesday, Zach Buchanan of The Athletic reports.
Arizona designated Bumgarner for assignment last Thursday and he is now officially a free agent. He's still owed nearly $36 million guaranteed from the Diamondbacks, but the next team that wants to sign the veteran left-hander can get him for the major-league minimum of $720,000. Over the course of his 69 total starts with Arizona, Bumgarner registered a 5.23 ERA in 363.1 innings. He had a 10.26 ERA through 16.2 frames here in 2023.
Diamondbacks' Madison Bumgarner: Loses roster spot
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The Diamondbacks designated Bumgarner for assignment Thursday, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.
It's a rather shocking move, as Bumgarner is still owed around $36 million from the five-year, $85 million contract that he signed with Arizona back in December 2019. The 33-year-old left-hander had been lit up for 20 runs -- 19 earned -- through 16.2 innings (four starts) this season and heads into DFA limbo with an overall 5.23 ERA in 363.1 total frames (69 starts) as a member of the Diamondbacks. He'll assuredly pass through waivers unclaimed because he still has more than $34 million remaining on his contract, but it's unclear how much interest he'll draw upon reaching free agency. Top prospect Brandon Pfaadt is an exciting possible candidate to fill Bumgarner's now-vacant rotation spot.
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Diamondbacks' Madison Bumgarner: Rotation spot to be discussed
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Arizona manager Torey Lovullo was non-committal following Wednesday's game when responding to questions about Bumgarner's continuation as part of the team's starting rotation, Theo Mackie of the Arizona Republic reports. "As we do, with every situation after every start, we group up as a staff and then sit down with the front office and figure out what to do next," the manager said.
This was the second straight post-game news conference during which Lovullo was posed questions about Bumgarner's struggles. Once again, the left-hander's fastball failed to reach 90 mph in Wednesday's 14-5 loss to St. Louis, and he allowed seven runs on seven hits and four walks. Bumgarner has a 10.26 ERA with 15 walks over 16.2 innings (four starts). If the Diamondbacks decide to go another way, the most likely candidates to fill in are Triple-A Reno starters Tommy Henry and Brandon Pfaadt.
Diamondbacks' Madison Bumgarner: Struggles early and often in loss
Rotowire
Bumgarner (0-3) took the loss Wednesday, allowing seven runs on seven hits and four walks over three innings against the Cardinals. He struck out two.
Bumgarner allowed three runs in the bottom of the first, and after posting a scoreless second, he served up four more runs in the third, including a two-out, three-run homer to Tommy Edman. The veteran left-hander has given up five or more earned runs in three of his first four starts this season and currently has more walks (15) than strikeouts (10).
Diamondbacks' Madison Bumgarner: Remains in rotation
Rotowire
Bumgarner (undisclosed) will remain in Arizona's rotation and is scheduled to start Wednesday against the Cardinals, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.
Bumgarner has had three consecutive rocky starts to begin the season and made cryptic comments following Friday's start that alluded to an injury. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo contradicted the pitcher's comments but also regretted having the left-hander throw 103 pitches his second time out. "I probably made a mistake in running him up over 100 pitches (in his second start)," the manager said. "Medically there was nothing that we felt like was going to hinder him. He probably could have used a little bit more rest." Bumgarner owns a 7.90 ERA while allowing 18 hits and 11 walks while hitting one batter over 13.2 innings. Things won't get easier against St. Louis, which is hitting .309 with an .825 OPS against left-handed pitching.
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Diamondbacks' Madison Bumgarner: Alludes to injury
Rotowire
Bumgarner (0-2), who gave up five earned runs on nine hits and one walk while striking out one in five innings Friday against the Marlins, alluded to pitching through a physical issue after the game, Jody Jackson of Bally Sports Arizona reports.
Many players are playing through some level of general soreness, and that may be what the 33-year-old southpaw is dealing with, but it's indisputable that Bumgarner has been ineffective thus far. He has a 7.90 ERA and more walks (11) than strikeouts (eight) in 13.2 innings through three starts. Were it not for the fact Arizona owes him $37 million this year and next, Bumgarner may have already been jettisoned from the rotation. He should be considered questionable to make his next start. Brandon Pfaadt would be the logical replacement from Triple-A if Bumgarner ends up missing time.
