May 13, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cincinnati Reds pitcher Graham Ashcraft (51) reacts after giving up a solo home run to Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno (14) during the second inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
The Diamondbacks have inked right-hander Erich Uelmen to a minor league contract, as noted on his MLB.com transactions page. Initially assigned to the Complex League, Uelmen is expected to move up to a higher affiliate after some preparatory outings.
Now 28, Uelmen was drafted by the Cubs and climbed the minor league ranks primarily as a starter. However, his success diminished at higher levels, prompting the Cubs to transition him to the bullpen at Triple-A. This adjustment proved fruitful initially, as Uelmen closed out the 2022 season with a 2.79 ERA over 42 innings at the highest minor league level. Despite a somewhat elevated 12.8% walk rate, he struck out 29.1% of batters faced and induced ground balls on 55.3% of balls in play.
Uelmen made his MLB debut with the Cubs in 2022, pitching 27 innings to a passable 4.67 ERA. His strikeout rate was subpar at 17.2%, while he maintained an average 9.8% walk rate and a decent 47.6% ground ball rate.
Later that year, the Cubs re-signed Drew Smyly, prompting Uelmen’s removal from the roster. He was subsequently traded to the Phillies for cash considerations but faced challenges with his new team, appearing in just one MLB inning and logging 17 2/3 innings in the minors due to extensive time on the injured list. Uelmen posted a 4.08 ERA in his limited minor league appearances before being recalled in late September and placed on the major league 60-day IL with a right flexor strain to free up a roster spot for the Phillies.
Following his outright assignment by the Phillies at season’s end, Uelmen remained unsigned until joining the Diamondbacks. He is expected to undergo a modified Spring Training regimen before potentially bolstering Arizona’s bullpen depth. The Diamondbacks’ relief corps has struggled this season, ranking 23rd in the majors with a collective 4.38 ERA. If Uelmen secures a spot on the roster, he possesses two remaining option years and less than a year of major league service time.
