PHOENIX -- Desperate to improve their performance against right-handed pitching, the Diamondbacks claimed outfielder Jesús Sánchez off waivers from the Blue Jays on Monday afternoon.
It was the Diamondbacks’ second move over the last few days to try to address an issue that has vexed them for much of the season. On Saturday, the team recalled left-handed-hitting infielder/outfielder Pavin Smith from Triple-A Reno.
On Monday, they jumped at the chance to bring on Sánchez, so much that they were willing to pick up the rest of the money he's owed this year -- around $420,000, per a source -- for just 12 games. Because he wasn't in the organization on Sept. 1, Sánchez is ineligible to play for the Diamondbacks if they make the postseason.
Arizona is locked in a battle with the Padres for the third and final NL Wild Card spot, and the two teams will play each other in a three-game series to close out the regular season.
"Looking for any way to sort of infuse offense, especially against righties," Arizona GM Mike Hazen said. "I think it's been an area of struggle for us this year, and most of the internal guys that we have to call up are all right-handed. I think the additions of Pavin and now Jesús are a way for us to try to spark the offense a little bit from the left-handed side. We face all righties all the way through, pretty much, projecting it out, unless something changes, and so we're looking for any sparks that we can get."
The lefty-swinging Sánchez slashed .260/.318/.416 with a 100 OPS+ in 99 games this season with Toronto, faring far better against right-handed pitching (.781 OPS) than lefties (.355 OPS). Defensively, he split his time between left and right field, posting a -9 Fielding Run Value that ranks in the third percentile of MLB in 2026.
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said that Sánchez will be used as the designated hitter initially, with any outfield time to be determined as the next couple weeks unfold.
Sánchez, 28, owns a .727 OPS in parts of seven MLB seasons with the Marlins, Astros and Blue Jays. He won’t be a free agent until after the 2027 season.
Sánchez is expected to join the team Tuesday, at which time the Diamondbacks will have to make room on the 28-man roster.
In claiming Sánchez, the D-backs continue to overhaul their outfield for the stretch run. On Sunday, the team designated veteran outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. for assignment and recalled rookie infielder Jose Fernandez. Cutting ties with Gurriel cleared a spot on the 40-man roster for Sánchez.
The Diamondbacks are 52-58 against right-handed starting pitchers this year, while they sport a 27-13 mark against left-handers.
Hazen also addressed the left-handed-hitting situation at the Trade Deadline when he acquired outfielder Lars Nootbaar.
"Nootbaar's been awesome the last couple weeks," Hazen said. "He's doing a great job, but we’re obviously trying to do any little thing that we can do to win any particular game. We know [Sánchez] won't be there in the playoffs, but these games are incredibly important for us."