Kevin Ginkel is back in the Arizona Diamondbacks’ bullpen after a month on the injured list, and he’s expecting to hear his name called as soon as Tuesday at the New York Mets.
It is an especially timely return, considering the flux in Arizona’s bullpen over the past 10 days. Arizona relievers as of April 18 owned a 3.48 ERA. Since then, a 6.96 ERA.
A.J. Puk landed on the injured list, Justin Martinez has dealt with shoulder fatigue that knocked him out for five straight games and the unit has gone through roster changes amid four extra-inning games in a week.
Ginkel started the season on the IL with right shoulder inflammation, which came at the inopportune time of right before Opening Day. His recovery went smoothly, as he wrapped up his rehab assignment on Saturday and joined the D-backs in New York.
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“It was absolutely frustrating for sure because I’m like ‘I’m going to miss the first month with the guys here and every game in the big leagues matters,'” Ginkel told Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo on Tuesday. “When you miss time, it affects everyone. To me, I was like I need to handle this. I felt like our training staff did a great job getting me back. I’m pumped to be back and I’m ready to help the club.”
Ginkel emerged as a go-to, late-inning reliever over the past couple seasons, when he’s delivered 135.1 innings with a 2.86 ERA (2.85 FIP) and 147 strikeouts. His efforts as an eighth-inning man during the second half of 2023 and the postseason played a key role in the team’s World Series push.
He has not been given many specifics in terms of a role now that he’s back, but he’s preparing for anything.
“I’m expecting to pitch in any kind of situation whether we’re up or down or we’re tied,” Ginkel said. “I think for me, I just want to get my feet underneath me first and get some outings under my belt.
“I’m ready when I feel like, once the first pitch is thrown, I’m like we’re ready to go. I’m not too concerned with the role and where I’m pitching at. That will develop as it plays out.”
Kevin Ginkel is back and ready for whatever role the Diamondbacks place him in, he tells @BurnsAndGambo.
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Ginkel hopes his return helps bring a level of stability to the bullpen. Puk’s timeline is uncertain at this point, and considering he and Martinez split saves early, it would appear Martinez is ready for more of a closer role as long as he’s healthy.
Shelby Miller and Jalen Beeks have been invaluable additions to the bullpen, and fellow free agent signee Kendall Graveman is making his way back from the IL behind Ginkel.
“I just want to be a contributor,” Ginkel said. “I feel like bringing some stability to the pen will ease things a little bit and give guys an idea of where they’re going to pitch. … And so, roles will start to develop.
“I do think having roles and expectations on where guys are going to pitch helps,” he added.
The Diamondbacks and Mets begin a three-game series at Citi Field at 4:10 p.m. on Tuesday.
Catch the game on 98.7 and the Arizona Sports app.
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