The St. Louis Cardinals once featured Jake Woodford, a promising right-handed reliever who showcased a remarkable 2.23 ERA during the 2022 season. During that standout campaign, the 28-year-old pitcher delivered impressive performance across 48.1 innings, marking his best big league season to date. However, following this successful period, Woodford’s career trajectory took a significant downturn, plagued by inconsistent performances with the Chicago White Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates. His subsequent ERA figures paint a stark contrast to his earlier success, culminating in a career ERA of 4.91. This figure reflects a challenging period, including a particularly difficult 2023 season where he posted a 7.97 ERA while pitching for the White Sox and Pirates.

More recently, Woodford's tenure with the Arizona Diamondbacks has been brief but impactful. His debut on July 2nd saw him allow two earned runs in 2.0 innings, immediately elevating his ERA to a concerning 9.00. As reported by the Arizona Republic, Piecoro and Romero highlighted the Diamondbacks’ strategic move to sign Woodford, citing the team’s mounting injuries as a key factor. The signing represents a crucial addition to the Diamondbacks’ pitching depth, particularly given the numerous setbacks experienced across MLB and within their Triple-A Reno affiliate. To accommodate Woodford’s arrival, the Diamondbacks opted to option right-hander Juan Morillo to Reno. Woodford’s immediate future with the Diamondbacks remains uncertain, dependent on his performance over the coming weeks and months. The team's reliance on him stems largely from the widespread injuries affecting their roster, presenting him with a valuable opportunity to re-establish himself. While the situation is undoubtedly challenging for the Diamondbacks, Woodford must focus on capitalizing on this second chance, demonstrating his potential and proving his worth within the organization. This adds to a broader trend of teams seeking pitching depth amidst a season marked by significant injuries, showcasing the importance of versatile arms in today’s game.