Why Diamondbacks signed former Nationals pitcher Zack Littell

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Why Diamondbacks signed former Nationals pitcher Zack Littell originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Arizona Diamondbacks agreed to a Major League contract with right-hander Zack Littell on Sunday.

Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic was the first to report Littell's agreement with the NL West club.

Before signing with the D-Backs, Littell was released from his one-year, $7 million contract with the Washington Nationals.

In 2026, Littell has worked as both a starter and reliever, posting a 4.97 ERA and 14.6% strikeout rate in 112 innings.

Arizona's starting rotation has recently been depleted by injuries, and the nine-year veteran could slot right in.

"But adding Littell to the mix would give the D-backs another reliable arm as they wait for some key rotation options to return," MLB.com's Jesse Borek wrote yesterday.

"After exiting his start early Friday with a right leg cramp, Merrill Kelly is expected to be fine and make his next turn through the rotation, but the club is also down Zac Gallen (right elbow inflammation) and Corbin Burnes (Tommy John surgery/teres major strain), both of whom could play key roles if their rehabs don’t hit a snag (or a second one, in Burnes’ case)," Borek added.

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The best season of Littell's career was arguably as a reliever in 2021 with the San Francisco Giants, when he struck out 63 batters in 61.2 innings and posted a 142 ERA+.

Arizona could send him to the bullpen when Gallen and Burnes return from injury. Thirteen of his 24 appearances this season have come as a reliever.

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