Gregor Blanco was widely expected to be on the D-backs Opening Day roster, but a niggling oblique injury limited his spring action, and he didn’t appear in a game after March 21. The complicated terms of his contract led to him being released by the Diamondbacks, but then immediately re-signed to a minor-league deal, which allowed him to recover from injury, and rehab in the minors. Over six games between High-A and Triple-A, Blanco batted .391 (9-for-23), with three walks and six strikeouts.
In effect, he replaces Jeremy Hazelbaker as a potential fourth outfielder, since Hazelbaker was sent to Reno to make room for Shipley’s start.