Diamondbacks add slugger Josh Bell, reliever Dylan Floro to fortify roster for stretch run
Miami Marlins' Josh Bell watches his double during the second inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Saturday, July 27, 2024, in Milwaukee. Credit: AP/Jeffrey Phelps
PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired slugger Josh Bell and reliever Dylan Floro at Tuesday's trade deadline, fortifying their lineup and bullpen for the stretch run in a crowded National League playoff race.
The 31-year-old Bell is hitting .239 with 14 homers for the Marlins this season. Miami will receive a player to be named or cash in return.
Bell is in the second season of a $33 million, two-year deal he signed with Cleveland, which traded him to Miami at the 2023 deadline. He's due about $5.4 million for the remainder of this season and can become a free agent after the World Series. The Diamondbacks will be responsible for $2.25 million of Bell's remaining salary.
“He hits with power, he gets on base, he’s not afraid to be in the middle of everything, and he’s a winner,” Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said.
The D-backs were on the hunt for a power hitter after Gold Glove first baseman Christian Walker was put on the 10-day injured list Tuesday, a day after leaving a game against Washington because of left oblique tightness.
“Last night’s game threw us a little bit of a curveball,” general manager Mike Hazen said. “Obviously, you never want to be put in that situation, but better yesterday than today.”
Bell was a 2019 All-Star with Pittsburgh and has 166 career homers.
Miami Marlins' Josh Bell, center, is congratulated by Nick Fortes, left, after hitting a three-run home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Saturday, July 27, 2024, in Milwaukee. Credit: AP/Jeffrey Phelps
The 33-year-old Floro had a 2.06 ERA over 51 appearances this season for the Washington Nationals. It will be the eighth major league team for the well-traveled right-hander, who has also pitched for the Dodgers, Marlins, Twins, Rays, Reds and Cubs.
The D-backs already added hard-throwing lefty A.J. Puk in a deal with the Marlins earlier this week.
“We think both Dylan and A.J. add a lot of experience to our bullpen,” Hazen said. “(Floro) is going to put the ball on the plate. We like that.”
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Miami Marlins' Josh Bell, center, is congratulated by Nick Fortes, left, after hitting a three-run home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Saturday, July 27, 2024, in Milwaukee. Credit: AP/Jeffrey Phelps
AP freelance writer Jack Thompson contributed to this report.
