ARIZONA – The Arizona Diamondbacks are calling up right-handed reliever Christian Montes De Oca from Triple-A Reno, as first reported by Mike Deportes. In a corresponding move, the team has optioned veteran lefty Joe Mantiply. Arizona still has one open spot on its 40-man roster.

In a season where the Diamondbacks’ bullpen has struggled and injuries have piled up, the team is turning to one of its more intriguing minor league arms. Montes, a 25-year-old from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has been lights out so far this season.

In 12 appearances, Montes has pitched 19 innings with a 2.37 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and a .217 batting average against. He’s struck out 17 batters while allowing just five earned runs , a career-best stretch in the minors.

Montes has long had the tools, including a career 9.78 K/9. Montes can also attack hitters earlier in counts and forcing weak contact. That said, the Diamondbacks’ defense, which has already committed 25 errors this season, will need to be sharp behind him.

D-backs SI writer, Alex D’Agostino highlighted Montes this offseason as a potential bullpen breakout, though he also expressed concern about Montes’ command at the Triple-A level and whether he was MLB-ready. Now, the Diamondbacks are betting on his upside.

If he can continue this trajectory, Montes could become a vital piece in a bullpen that’s been hit hard by injuries to Justin Martinez (Jmart) and A.J. Puk. Time will tell, but the Diamondbacks — and their fans, are hoping they’ve found some much-needed help.

Here’s a solid highlight clip of him from 2021 striking out six batters for the Dominican Republic National Team, just so you can get to know him better.