"Joe Gunkel is able to use a three-pitch mix effectively to keep hitters off balance and has excellent command of his pitches," executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duqette said. "Jesús Liranzo has a power arm, as well as a sinker and slider with strikeout potential. He advanced quickly through our Minor League system this past year by limiting walks and hits."
Gunkel, 24, went 8-14 with a 4.02 ERA last season between Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk, making the majority of his starts for Norfolk. The 21-year-old Liranzo moved from Class A to Double-A this year, and went 1-1 with a 1.