Kade Strowd Demoted to Triple-A After Spring Training Struggles

The former Orioles rookie sensation faces an uncertain future with the Diamondbacks

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:28pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball pitcher's motion broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the colors of the Diamondbacks and Orioles uniforms, conceptually representing the ups and downs of a professional athlete's career.The uncertain future of a once-promising pitcher highlights the fragility of success in professional sports.Reno Today

Kade Strowd, the 28-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, has been demoted to the Triple-A Reno Aces just days before Opening Day. This comes after a disappointing spring training performance, where Strowd posted a 10.57 ERA in 7.2 innings, a stark contrast to his impressive rookie campaign with the Orioles in 2025 where he had a 1.71 ERA. The Diamondbacks' manager Torey Lovullo has expressed confidence in Strowd's abilities, but acknowledged his spring struggles, leading to the decision to send him down to the minors to regroup.

Why it matters

Strowd's demotion highlights the fragility of a professional athlete's career, as well as the pressure and expectations that come with early success. His story serves as a reminder that consistency is key in the major leagues, and that even the most promising young talents can face setbacks. The Diamondbacks' decision to send Strowd to Triple-A could be a strategic move to help him regain his confidence and form, but it also raises questions about his long-term future with the team.

The details

In his rookie season with the Orioles in 2025, Strowd had a 1.71 ERA in 25 appearances, establishing himself as a reliable arm out of the bullpen. However, his spring training performance with the Diamondbacks this year was a stark contrast, as he posted a 10.57 ERA in 7.2 innings, giving up multiple runs in five out of eight appearances. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo has called Strowd 'one of our best pieces' when he's on his game, but acknowledged that his spring training performance was far from ideal, leading to the decision to option him to Triple-A.

  • Strowd was demoted to the Triple-A Reno Aces just days before the start of the 2026 MLB season.
  • In his rookie campaign with the Orioles in 2025, Strowd had a 1.71 ERA in 25 appearances.

The players

Kade Strowd

A 28-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks who was recently demoted to the Triple-A Reno Aces after a disappointing spring training performance.

Torey Lovullo

The manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks, who has expressed confidence in Strowd's abilities but acknowledged his spring training struggles.

Blaze Alexander

The player the Diamondbacks traded Strowd for, who is now poised to be the Orioles' starting second baseman on Opening Day.

Jackson Holliday

The Diamondbacks' player who is currently rehabbing from a broken hamate bone, adding another layer of uncertainty to the team's roster.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.