Madison Bumgarner designated for assignment by Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks designated left-hander Madison Bumgarner for assignment, sources said, a move that brings a likely end to Bumgarner’s time with the organization despite still being owed more than $34 million through next season.

Bumgarner had posted a 10.26 ERA in four starts this season. He finished last year on a 10-start skid in which he had a 7.12 ERA.

The five-year, $85 million contract the Diamondbacks gave him will go down as one of the worst in franchise history. He posted a 5.23 ERA in parts of four seasons.

Bumgarner is likely to be placed on waivers soon, if he hasn't been already, and would become a free agent once he clears. He could then sign with another team for a prorated portion of the league minimum ($720,000). He is not likely to be claimed or traded given the amount of money still owed to him by the Diamondbacks.

Sources say left-hander Tommy Henry is expected to start in place of Bumgarner when his turn comes up next on Monday, when the Diamondbacks are set to host the Kansas City Royals. Henry, 25, had a 5.36 ERA in nine starts with the Diamondbacks last season. He has a 6.33 ERA in four starts with Triple-A Reno and gave up just two runs in six innings in his most recent outing.

A legendary pitcher during his time in San Francisco, Bumgarner helped the Giants win three World Series titles, turning in some of the better postseason pitching performances of all time.

When they signed him in December 2019, the Diamondbacks believed they were getting a hard-nosed competitor who could at least eat innings and serve as a positive influence for younger players.

Though his production had begun to decline late in his Giants tenure, the Diamondbacks also thought there were changes to his pitch usage and repertoire that could allow him to improve.

Bumgarner was a major disappointment but he might not go down as the worst signing the Diamondbacks have ever made. That distinction might still belong to Russ Ortiz, who posted a 7.00 ERA in 28 starts after signing a four-year, $33 million deal prior to the 2005 season. The Diamondbacks released him with $22 million still remaining.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Madison Bumgarner designated for assignment by Arizona Diamondbacks