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Diamondbacks send former Cardinals 33 home run minor league slugger to Triple-A
TL;DR
The Arizona Diamondbacks have sent former Cardinals first baseman Luken Baker to Triple-A Reno after activating Lourdes Gurriel Jr. from the injured list. Baker, who has four career home runs, can choose to decline the assignment and become a free agent.
Key points
- Diamondbacks activate Lourdes Gurriel Jr. from injured list
- Luken Baker designated for assignment and sent to Triple-A
- Baker has four career home runs in the MLB
- He made his Major League debut in 2023 with the Cardinals
- Baker can decline the assignment and become a free agent
Arizona DiamondbacksSt. Louis CardinalsLuken Baker
Diamondbacks send former Cardinals 33 home run minor league slugger to Triple-A originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
By activating outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. from the injured list, the Arizona Diamondbacks had to make room on the roster.
This past weekend, they designated a 29-year-old first baseman for assignment. He made his Major League debut in 2023 with the St. Louis Cardinals and has yet to land a full-time role in the Majors despite having above-average power.
Now, the D-Backs have sent Luken Baker outright to Triple-A Reno. If Baker chooses, he can deny the assignment and elect free agency.
Baker has four career home runs in 194 trips to the plate with the Cardinals and D-Backs. He collected one hit and struck out three times in five plate appearances during his short stint with Arizona.
Maybe Baker needs more playing time to prove his worth in the Majors, as he's never played more than 33 games in a season.
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Triple-A pitching seems to be no problem for him, as the 6-foot-4, 285-pound slugger had back-to-back seasons with 32 or more home runs from 2023-24.
Don't be surprised if another team gives Baker a chance if he elects free agency. Every lineup needs a little pop in case of injury.
Q&A
Why did the Diamondbacks send Luken Baker to Triple-A?
The Diamondbacks sent Luken Baker to Triple-A to make room on the roster for Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who was activated from the injured list.
What are Luken Baker's career statistics in the MLB?
Luken Baker has four career home runs in 194 plate appearances with the Cardinals and Diamondbacks.
Can Luken Baker refuse the Triple-A assignment?
Yes, Luken Baker can refuse the Triple-A assignment and elect free agency if he chooses.
