The Diamondbacks’ annual claim of having “competition” for roster spots during spring training took a blow on Tuesday with the demotion of right-hander J.B. Bukauskas, who dominated Cactus League hitters but was sent out weeks before the start of the season.
Bukauskas, 24, retired each of the 12 batters he faced with nine strikeouts in four appearances, overpowering hitters with a mid-90s fastball and two secondary pitches. He struck out the side on Saturday in his most recent appearance.
Given the way he has thrown, he might have a claim on being the most impressive pitcher in the entire Cactus League this spring — and yet he was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Tuesday morning.