Diamondbacks add slugger Josh Bell, reliever Dylan Floro to fortify roster for stretch run
By David Brandt, The Associated Press on July 30, 2024.
PHOENIX (AP) – The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired slugger Josh Bell and reliever Dylan Floro at Tuesday’s trade deadline, fortifying their lineup and bullpen for the stretch run in a crowded National League playoff race. The 31-year-old Bell is hitting .239 with 14 homers for the Marlins this season. Miami will receive a player to be named or cash in return. Bell is in the second season of a $33 million, two-year deal he signed with Cleveland, which traded him to Miami at the 2023 deadline. He’s due about $5.4 million for the remainder of this season and can become a free agent after the World Series. The Diamondbacks will be responsible for $2.25 million of Bell’s remaining salary. “He hits with power, he gets on base, he’s not afraid to be in the middle of everything, and he’s a winner,” Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said. The D-backs were on the hunt for a power hitter after Gold Glove first baseman Christian Walker was put on the 10-day injured list Tuesday, a day after leaving a game against Washington because of left oblique tightness. “Last night’s game threw us a little bit of a curveball,” general manager Mike Hazen said. “Obviously, you never want to be put in that situation, but better yesterday than today.” Bell was a 2019 All-Star with Pittsburgh and has 166 career homers. The 33-year-old Floro had a 2.06 ERA over 51 appearances this season for the Washington Nationals. It will be the eighth major league team for the well-traveled right-hander, who has also pitched for the Dodgers, Marlins, Twins, Rays, Reds and Cubs. The D-backs already added hard-throwing lefty A.J. Puk in a deal with the Marlins earlier this week. “We think both Dylan and A.J. add a lot of experience to our bullpen,” Hazen said. “(Floro) is going to put the ball on the plate. We like that.” ___ AP freelance writer Jack Thompson contributed to this report. ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb 15-14
