D-backs use Rule 5 Draft to add 'pen depth
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. -- The D-backs added another arm to the bullpen competition this spring by selecting right-hander Tyler Jones from the Yankees' organization in Thursday's Rule 5 Draft.
Jones, 27, spent last year with Double-A Trenton, where he was 6-2 with a 2.17 ERA and 11 saves in 33 games.
• 2016 Rule 5 Draft results
The selection of Jones cost the D-backs $100,000. They must keep the player on the Major League roster for the entire season or offer him back to the Yankees for $50,000. It is also possible they could work out a trade for Jones if the D-backs wanted to send him to the Minors at some point.
"We've had our eye on him," general manager Mike Hazen said. "He had a great second half in Double-A for the Yankees. Good power arm, good fastball, power curveball. We think it's a worthwhile opportunity to take another guy with a power arm and bring him into the mix. Bring him into Spring Training and compete."
Jones played at Louisiana State University and was selected by the Twins in the 11th round of the 2011 Draft. The Yankees signed him as a Minor League free agent last year. He has pitched six seasons in the Minors.
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"I think in these types of situations, it's one of those things where guys can develop later," Hazen said. "And if they develop earlier, a lot of times are protected on a roster or something. When it comes together later, sometimes you get opportunities like this."
In the Triple-A phase of the Rule 5 Draft, the D-backs made three selections.
In the first two rounds, the D-backs took a pair of right-handers out of the Indians' organization in Jon Fitzsimmons and Grant Sides.
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In the third round, the D-backs selected infielder Daniel Lockhart from the Cubs.
Each player cost $24,000 to select. There are no restrictions on what level of the Minors they can be assigned to.
The D-backs lost a pair of players in the Triple-A phase -- catcher Eduardo de Oleo, who was chosen by the Astros, and outfielder Chuck Taylor, who was picked by the Mariners.