Diamondbacks Option Pitcher Kohl Drake to Minors

Left-hander sent down to Triple-A Reno after missing end of last season with shoulder injury

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Arizona Diamondbacks have optioned pitcher Kohl Drake to their Triple-A affiliate in Reno, Nevada. Drake, a left-hander, missed the final month of the 2025 season due to a shoulder strain but was healthy at the start of spring training this year after being added to the team's 40-man roster during the offseason. Last season, Drake split time between Double-A and Triple-A, posting a 4.23 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 106:36 K:BB ratio over 89.1 innings.

Why it matters

Drake was expected to compete for a spot in the Diamondbacks' bullpen this spring, but the team has opted to send him to the minors to continue his development and get more consistent playing time. This move indicates the Diamondbacks want Drake to work on refining his command and control before potentially contributing at the major league level.

The details

The Diamondbacks made the decision to option Drake to Triple-A Reno on Sunday, according to a report from Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com. Drake had been added to the team's 40-man roster during the offseason, signaling the organization's belief in his potential. However, the shoulder injury that sidelined him late last year appears to have factored into the team's decision to have him start the 2026 season in the minors.

  • Drake missed the final month of the 2025 season due to a shoulder strain.
  • Drake was added to the Diamondbacks' 40-man roster during the offseason.

The players

Kohl Drake

A left-handed pitcher in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization who spent last season split between Double-A and Triple-A.

Arizona Diamondbacks

The professional baseball team based in Phoenix, Arizona that plays in Major League Baseball's National League West division.

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The takeaway

The Diamondbacks' decision to option Kohl Drake to the minors indicates they want the young left-hander to continue developing his skills and regain his form after missing time due to injury. This move gives Drake the opportunity to get consistent playing time and work on improving his command before potentially contributing at the major league level.