TUESDAY, 12:47am: The Orioles have some interest in Overbay, reports Jack Magruder of FOXSportsArizona.com (on Twitter).
MONDAY, 11:12pm: The Reds and Diamondbacks are discussing a trade that would send Overbay to Cincinnati, Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports reports (on Twitter).
5:54pm: The Diamondbacks announced that they designated first baseman Lyle Overbay for assignment. The move creates roster space for newly-acquired infielder Chris Johnson.
Overbay, 35, posted a .292/.367/.448 batting line in 110 plate appearances this year. Manager Kirk Gibson made sure to limit Overbay's exposure to left-handed pitching (95 plate appearances vs. RHP, 15 plate appearances vs. LHP), using him as a part-time complement to Paul Goldschmidt. Overbay, who's signed to a one-year, $1MM contract, has a .271/.354/.439 batting line in 12 MLB seasons.
jamesa-2
Wow. That makes almost no sense unless they have another move in the works to make room to bring him back.
3runhomer
Lyle will be a great bench pickup for somebody.
Casey Roshek
can he play shortstop? If he can the brewers should be interested
jamesa-2
Strictly a 1B. It’s sort of a baffling move by the Dbacks. The Goldshmidt/Overbay combination at 1B was one of the best things they had going for them on the field.
Casey Roshek
yeah it is surprising even if it is to make room for chris johnson
aemoreira81
Could Overbay play the outfield (i.e., left field)?
brandons-2
Yes but only in the magical world where chimpanzees play infield. Walruses play the outfield, midgets pitch and stephen hawking’s plays catcher.
brandons-2
now that I think about it i think the walrus would still start above overbay in the OF
corey23
only thing i can think of is they have a trade lined up for him to get something at least a little worthwhile
Todd Smith
No, but it would be fun to watch him try.
yigantee
Would be an upgrade over Huff for Giants for sure…
vtadave
So would the proverbial bag of balls.
michael
Not often you see a 12-year, bat-only veteran get DFAed when he’s hitting slightly *better* than his career line. I would hope there’s a trade coming, like when they did the same with Roberts.
Chris Bosh
Bat-only veteran? Have you actually watched him play 1B before?
jamesa-2
Overbay is a very solid defensive 1B. Anyone getting him is getting more than just his bat, which is by no means horrible.
joew
his sample size for the year is pretty small and hasn’t seen many lefties. His stats may also be helped by a batter friendly park. but for 1mil.. seems like a steal to me.
vtadave
Wouldn’t mind seeing him take time from James Loney.
Ian Masterson
This. Definitely.
Tim Graddy
Pick him up Walt.
Keeganrafael20
I think the Giants should take a flier on overbay. It wouldn’t hurt us. Especially with belt struggling and huff struggling this year.
CaseyTheDeliMan
any word if he accepted his assignment? Will he become a FA?
3runhomer
Overbay is 2 for 25 since June 23.
jamesa-2
In limited playing time and off the bench as a PH. He is,like many players, better when he starts. And he is a solid fielder. This also means that they have no back-up for Goldschmidt.
blank_38
wheeler played 1st a lot in the minors.
WrigleyTerror37
Chris Johnson has played 1b for the astros this year
qudjy1
Thats the definition of small sample size.
AaronAngst
Reunion with the Brewers… then they DFA Nyjer Morgan. *fingers crossed*
Leo Ramos
Are you serious?
Mr.Towers really what are you doing?
first Roberts and now this?
craiginphoenix
Roberts was worthless and completely horrible. Overbay was not. Big difference.
qudjy1
As a dback fan, i dont get this one. Overbay isnt great, but as a rhed platoon match for Goldschmidt, he was very productive, and had complimetary skills. I just dont get it.
Allen Snyder
It’s either him, Wheeler, Bloomquist, or McDonald…everyone that’s complaining about this move, which of those guys would you rather see sent down?
qudjy1
Why you wouldnt send wheeler down for a month, and bring him back when rosters expand, i have no idea.
craiginphoenix
Wheeler
jamesa-2
Wheeler, he doesn’t belong called up as it is.
3runhomer
If Drew is moved, can they pull him back?
qudjy1
I cant imagine. DFA isnt like the waivers process.
jamesa-2
He could accept the assignment though and then get called back up.
qudjy1
I guess. Why take that chance?
jamesa-2
Makes no sense to me either, and I rather doubt that was the “plan”. I’m mostly just hoping since this move just makes no sense at all.
Angry Disgruntled Sox Fan
Anyone think he might end up in Oakland?
jamesa-2
I hope he winds up in Reno so the Dbacks can recall him again after they move Drew tomorrow.
budman3
Probably back to the Pirates now.
formerdraftpick 2
Probably true
formerdraftpick 2
I had Chinese food for dinner tonight.
davengmusic
wow…a seasoned vet dumped in favor of CHRIS JOHNSON. all the money in the world won’t soothe that stinging pain.
Mark Anderson
The Astros could sure use Overbay……first base has been a disaster since Bagwell retired.
GriffeyandSizemore
Yeah Lance Berkman was horrible..
Timothy Rissland
IF Texiera injury tonight is serious or DL worthy, Do you think he would be a fit for the Yankees?
jwsox
simple answer…yes
aemoreira81
Someone should pick up Overbay as a left-handed bench option. He was doing well in limited action.
I don’t get this one…and the D’Backs may come back to regret this. Does anyone else not have options?
jwsox
buccos?
Andy Forrester
Unless there’s a trade brewing, this roster move makes absolutely no sense.
swing1
Why can’t I hold all these former Blue Jays on the front page?
mlbscout6
Seems like a lot of teams could use Overbay. This won’t make a ton of sense if they don’t end up trading him.
Quizicat
Just what the O’s need, another part time first baseman.
Jason 51
Lyle Overbay has been released by the Arizona Diamondbacks based on the transaction page on MLB.com (mlb.mlb.com/mlb/transactions/?tcid=mm_mlb_players#…). Follow me at @sherco4eva
Steven Adams
I would like to see the Reds work a deal to pick him up.