Diamondbacks' John Curtiss fails to make roster

Veteran reliever reassigned to minor-league camp after tough spring training

Mar. 15, 2026 at 4:19pm

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The Arizona Diamondbacks have reassigned veteran right-handed reliever John Curtiss to their minor-league camp, ending his bid to make the team's Opening Day roster. Curtiss struggled in Cactus League play, allowing three earned runs on five hits and two walks over 5.2 innings. The 32-year-old had a solid 2025 season with the Diamondbacks, posting a 3.93 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and 24:5 K:BB ratio in 36.2 innings, but he will now head to Triple-A Reno to start the 2026 season.

Why it matters

Curtiss was looking to secure a bullpen spot with the Diamondbacks after a productive 2025 campaign, but his struggles this spring have led the team to send him down to the minors to start the year. This decision highlights the competitive nature of MLB roster spots, especially for veteran relievers trying to hold onto their jobs.

The details

In six Cactus League appearances this spring, Curtiss was touched up for three earned runs on five hits and two walks over 5.2 innings. The Diamondbacks opted to reassign him to their Triple-A affiliate in Reno rather than keep him on the major-league roster to start the 2026 season.

  • Curtiss was reassigned to minor-league camp on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

The players

John Curtiss

A 32-year-old right-handed relief pitcher who spent the 2025 season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, posting a 3.93 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and 24:5 K:BB ratio in 36.2 innings.

Arizona Diamondbacks

The Major League Baseball team based in Phoenix, Arizona.

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The takeaway

Curtiss' inability to secure a roster spot with the Diamondbacks this spring highlights the competitive nature of MLB rosters, especially for veteran relievers trying to hold onto their jobs. He will now head to Triple-A Reno to continue working on his craft in hopes of earning another shot with the big-league club later in the 2026 season.