Seth

Beer

Beer returns to affiliated ball after launching four homers during a 14-game stint with the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League. The 28-year-old former first-round pick, who was included in the Zack Greinke deal back in 2019, spent all of last year in the Pirates’ system and hasn’t appeared in the big leagues since getting into 43 games for the Diamondbacks from 2021-2022.

Beer last appeared in the big leagues for the Diamondbacks when he got into 43 games from 2021-2022. The 28-year-old former first-round pick spent last year in the Pirates’ system, posting a .277/.354/.431 triple-slash line with 12 homers in 99 games between Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis.

Beer’s major league stint with the Diamondbacks in 2022 was a bust (.189/.278/.243 in 126 PA), and he also hasn’t hit in the minors the last two years like he did in the first three seasons of his career. It’s a long shot that he’ll put himself into the mix at first base or designated hitter for the Pirates.

It’s a bit surprising no team wanted free Beer. The 26-year-old former highly-regarded offensive prospect went unclaimed on waivers after being designated for assignment last week and will head to Triple-A Reno as extra depth. His lack of defensive versatility and prolonged struggles at the highest level will likely limit his opportunities going forward.

Beer was one of the top hitters in the minors from 2018-21, but he stumbled in the majors last year and he really hasn’t gotten it back since. This year, he was at just .200/.266/.314 in 79 PA for Triple-A Reno. He’s 26 and a bat-only player, so there’s a good chance he’ll clear waivers.

Beer swung the bat a little better in recent days, but likely wasn’t going to crack the Opening Day roster unless there was an injury. The 26-year-old has really struggled in the majors so far, but he’ll likely get more chances this season.

Beer crushed his two-run bomb off of Nick Lodolo in the opening inning, giving the Diamondbacks an early 2-0 edge. It would be short-lived. The 26-year-old slugger finished the day 1-for-3 plus a strikeout. He’s off to a slow start this spring, hitting just .176 (3-for-17) with a homer and three RBI.

There will be no Beer in Arizona on Tuesday afternoon. It’s unclear whether he’s dealing with a physical issue. There should be an update on his status soon.

The 25-year-old just hasn’t been able to get anything going during his time with the big league club, slashing .189/.278/.243 with only one homer, nine RBI and a 31/11 K/BB ratio in 126 plate appearances. Stone Garrett had his contract selected from Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Beer got off to a nice start this season before slumping badly. He could see a good amount of playing time in the designated hitter spot versus righties.