Cristian

Mena

Mena heads back to the minors after allowing four runs over three innings on Wednesday in his major-league debut against the Dodgers. The 21-year-old righty figures to get another look at some point later this summer.

Mena got into trouble immediately in this one, giving up a hit and a walk to put two runners on for Freddie Freeman, who took him deep for a three-run blast to put the Dodgers ahead. Teoscar Hernandez followed with a solo homer. Mena tossed two more scoreless frames and end his day after three innings with two strikeouts. He’ll likely retreat back to Triple-A following the spot start against the Dodgers.

The 21-year-old right-hander will be thrown right into the fire, making his big-league debut on Wednesday night against the Dodgers. Mena registered a 4.90 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and an 89/38 K/BB ratio over 82 2/3 innings in 16 starts at Triple-A Reno. He’s certainly not a recommended streaming option for fantasy purposes.

Mena was spotted in the Diamondbacks’ clubhouse prior to Tuesday’s game. While Manager Torey Lovullo said Mena is on their taxi squad, Arizona doesn’t have a scheduled starter for Wednesday’s game in Los Angeles and Mena last pitched in Triple-A on June 26th. Mena, acquired in a trade with the White Sox last offseason in exchange for outfielder Dominic Fletcher, is already on the 40-man roster. The No. 11 prospect in Arizona’s system according to MLB.com, Mena had a 4.90 ERA in 16 starts with Triple-A Reno.

The reigning NL champions confirmed earlier this week that Geraldo Perdomo would be their Opening Day shortstop, so it isn’t surprising that the 21-year-old will open the season in the minor leagues. Lawlar struggled in his cup of coffee last year, posting a .129/.206/.129 slash line across 34 plate appearances. He could return to the big league squad before too long if Perdomo struggles at the dish.

The 21-year-old Mena was just acquired by the Diamondbacks from the White Sox for Dominic Fletcher back in early February. Since arriving with his new team, he has showcased a fastball that’s sitting 94-96 mph after averaging just 92 mph last year. That’s a key, according to Diamondbacks General Manager Mike Hazen, who said “If the fastball starts playing better, I think he’s going to have a lot of success.” With Ryne Nelson currently slated in the final spot of the Diamondbacks’ rotation, it’s not out of the question that Mena could push him at some point during the season if he continues to develop.

The 21-year-old Mena was one of the White Sox’s better pitching prospects, even if his 4.97 career ERA doesn’t really show it. He was at 4.66 in 23 Double-A starts last season, having struck out 136 and walked 55 in 114 innings. This is a big year for him if he hopes to have a future as a starting pitcher. A breakthrough still seems possible, but if his command doesn’t improve as much as hoped, he’ll probably wind up in the pen.

There isn’t a spot in Arizona’s crowded outfield mix anymore for Fletcher, who posted a .791 OPS with two homers in 102 plate appearances last year in the big leagues, before suffering a season-ending fractured left index finger in September while playing for Triple-A Reno. The 26-year-old outfielder, who has put up strong offensive numbers in the upper minors the last few years, will get a change of scenery in Chicago and figures to get an extended look in a corner outfield spot as they embark on a lengthy rebuild.

Mena earns a spot on Chicago’s 40-man roster, guarding him from selection in next month’s Rule 5 Draft, after making 27 starts last year between Double-A Birmingham and Triple-A Charlotte.