Diamondbacks release veteran SS Elvis Andrus

Field Level Media|published: Fri 22nd March, 13:01 2024

Sep 18, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams (5) steals second base ahead of a tag by Chicago White Sox shortstop Elvis Andrus (1) during the third inning at Nationals Park. credits: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Diamondbacks released veteran shortstop Elvis Andrus on Friday amid a flurry of moves.

Andrus, 35, signed a minor league deal with the Diamondbacks earlier this month. He batted .118 in six spring training games.

The D-backs also optioned infielder/outfielder Pavin Smith and left-hander Andrew Saalfrank to Triple-A Reno and reassigned LHP Jose Castillo to minor league camp.

Andrus is a two-time All-Star with 2,091 career hits over 15 major league seasons. He has been a shortstop most of his career but did play 63 games (60 starts) at second base last season for the Chicago White Sox.

The D-backs are opting to go with Emmanuel Rivera and utilityman Jace Peterson as infield backup options behind starting SS Geraldo Perdomo and 2B Ketel Marte.

Andrus has a .269 career average with 102 homers and 775 RBIs in 2,059 games with the Texas Rangers (2009-20), Oakland Athletics (2021-22) and the White Sox (2022-23). His 347 career steals lead all active major league players.

Smith, 28, hit .282 during the spring but just .188 in 69 games last season playing first base and right field.

Saalfrank, 26, appeared in 11 playoff games during Arizona's run to the World Series last season, posting a 3.18 ERA. He appeared in three World Series games after making his major league debut in late September.

—Field Level Media