D-backs Trim Roster, Revealing Opening Day Plans

Arizona Diamondbacks make 3 roster moves, providing hints about their final roster decisions.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:37pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Arizona Diamondbacks have made three roster moves, optioning left-handed reliever Philip Abner to Triple-A Reno and reassigning catcher Aramis Garcia and utility infielder Jacob Amaya to minor league camp. These moves provide insight into the team's plans for their opening day roster, including the bullpen and backup catcher roles.

Why it matters

The Diamondbacks' roster decisions offer a glimpse into their strategy heading into the new season. The moves suggest the team is leaning towards veteran options like Ildemaro Vargas over younger players like Amaya, while also solidifying their bullpen with right-handed relievers over left-handers like Abner.

The details

The Diamondbacks optioned left-handed reliever Philip Abner, who had a 4.66 ERA but 12 strikeouts in 9.2 innings this spring, to Triple-A Reno. This move suggests the team may be favoring right-handed bullpen options over left-handers. The team also reassigned catcher Aramis Garcia and utility infielder Jacob Amaya to minor league camp. Amaya had an impressive .341/.375/.477 spring training, but Ildemaro Vargas appears to have won the utility infielder job with his own strong .390/.405/.561 performance.

  • On Sunday, March 22, 2026, the Diamondbacks made the roster moves.

The players

Philip Abner

A 23-year-old left-handed reliever who made his MLB debut in 2025 after climbing through the Diamondbacks' minor league system.

Ildemaro Vargas

A utility infielder who performed well for the Diamondbacks in the 2025 season and has had an even stronger spring training in 2026, solidifying his roster spot.

Jacob Amaya

A utility infielder prospect who had an impressive .341/.375/.477 spring training performance, but was ultimately reassigned to minor league camp.

Aramis Garcia

A veteran catcher who was reassigned to minor league camp, with Gabriel Moreno on track to be the Diamondbacks' backup catcher to start the season.

Gabriel Moreno

The Diamondbacks' top catching prospect, who is expected to make the opening day roster as the backup to starter James McCann despite dealing with some forearm tightness this spring.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Diamondbacks still have some tough decisions to make with regard to their roster before opening day, but these moves provide clues about the direction they are heading.

The takeaway

The Diamondbacks' roster decisions suggest they are leaning towards more experienced options like Ildemaro Vargas over younger prospects like Jacob Amaya, while also prioritizing right-handed relievers over left-handers in the bullpen as they finalize their opening day roster.