Why Diamondbacks signed former Nationals pitcher Zack Littell

The Arizona Diamondbacks agreed to a Major League contract with right-hander Zack Littell on Sunday. Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic was the first to report Littell's agreement with the NL West club. Before signing with the D-Backs, Littell was released from his one-year, $7 million contract with the Washington Nationals. In 2026, Littell has worked as both a starter and reliever, posting a 4.97 ERA and 14.6% strikeout rate in 112 innings. Arizona's starting rotation has recently been depleted by injuries, and the nine-year veteran could slot right in. "But adding Littell to the mix would give the D-backs another reliable arm as they wait for some key rotation options to return," MLB.com's Jesse Borek wrote yesterday. "After exiting his start early Friday with a right leg cramp, Merri