After having to take the 2024 MLB season off, a former Houston Astros pitcher is ready to rock again.
Jesse Rogers of ESPN reported on Friday that righty reliever Kendall Graveman has landed a deal from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Graveman’s new contract is for one year, Rogers adds.
The 34-year-old Graveman was not able to pitch in 2024 due to a right shoulder injury that required surgery. Graveman is fully recovered now though and ready to contribute to the Arizona bullpen.
A 2013 draft pick, Graveman has played in his MLB career for the Toronto Blue Jays, the Oakland Athletics the Seattle Mariners, the Astros, and the Chicago White Sox. After beginning his career as a starter, Graveman has transitioned into a full-time relief role and owns a career ERA of 3.95 with a career WHIP of 1.33.
Graveman may be best remembered for his Astros stints in 2021 and 2023. While he is not much of a strikeout pitcher, Graveman does well at inducing groundballs and has also proven at previous stops to be a very popular teammate.
The Diamondbacks have kept busy this winter after winning 89 games last season but failing to qualify for the postseason in a loaded NL West division. They already bolstered their starting rotation by surprisingly winning the sweepstakes for a former Cy Young winner. Now Arizona will be getting some help in their bullpen as well from Graveman, who should be able to work his way back into high-leverage situations to go along with Kevin Ginkel, AJ Puk, and other options for the Diamondbacks.
