The D-backs trade Randal Grichuk to the Royals and activate A.J. Puk on July 27. Can this roster shakeup spark an offense facing Pirates ace Paul Skenes?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
As the Arizona Diamondbacks face the daunting task of avoiding a series sweep in Pittsburgh, the front office has made its own moves back home. On Sunday, the team announced it has traded veteran outfielder Randal Grichuk to the Kansas City Royals, part of a flurry of transactions that signals a potential shift in direction for the club.
After being shut out in two straight games, the Diamondbacks now have to face Pirates ace Paul Skenes and his blistering 1.91 ERA.
The biggest news of the day is the departure of Randal Grichuk. The outfielder, who was primarily used in a platoon role against left-handed pitching, is heading to the Royals. After a solid 2024 where he posted an .875 OPS, Grichuk's production dipped this season to a .243 average with 7 home runs. While the return from Kansas City has not yet been announced, the move itself indicates the front office is looking to shake things up and possibly give younger players more opportunities as the season progresses.
The Grichuk trade wasn't the only news from the transaction wire. The Diamondbacks officially activated left-handed pitcher A.J. Puk, a welcome return for a bullpen in need of reliable arms. To make room, right-hander Thyago Vieira was designated for assignment. In a move focused on the organization's future, the team also signed recent draft pick, outfielder Slade Caldwell. It's a classic mix of addressing immediate needs while building for the long term.
All this roster churn comes as the team on the field faces a massive challenge. The D-backs offense has been nonexistent in this series, falling 1-0 and 2-0. Today's task is arguably the toughest yet: facing Pirates phenom Paul Skenes. On the mound for Arizona is Zac Gallen, who is navigating a difficult season himself with a 7-11 record and a 5.58 ERA. He'll need to be at his absolute best to play stopper and outduel Skenes, while hoping bats like Eugenio Suarez and Geraldo Perdomo can finally break the offensive silence.
Today feels like a pivot point for the 2025 Diamondbacks. While the team on the field fights to salvage a win against a tough opponent, the front office is clearly making moves with an eye on the future. The Grichuk trade may just be the first of several moves as the trade deadline approaches, leaving fans to wonder what this team will look like in August and beyond.
