Zack Littell
Breakdown
Performance
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August 11, 2026
Will work out of bullpen
The Diamondbacks have informed Littell that he'll work out of the bullpen, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.
Analysis
Littell signed a one-year contract with Arizona on Sunday, and the team intends to use him in a relief role to begin his D-Backs tenure. He's appeared as a reliever in nine of 23 appearances this season with Washington, and he stated in an interview Monday that he's willing to do whatever he can to help his new club. Littell most recently worked 6.2 innings Tuesday in his final appearance before being designated for assignment by the Nationals, so he's in a position to step into a starting role in the event of an injury.
August 5, 2026
Provides length in bulk relief
Littell didn't factor into the decision Tuesday, giving up four runs on seven hits and a walk over 6.2 relief innings in a 5-0 loss to the Phillies. He struck out two.
Analysis
It wasn't a particularly sharp outing for Littell, who tossed 60 of 93 pitches for strikes, but the veteran right-hander ducked the loss as Carson Palmquist gave up a run as the opener, and the Nationals' offense couldn't solve Jesus Luzardo. Littell hasn't gotten into the win column since June 28, but he's generally been able to keep his team in the game, posting a 4.18 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 21:10 K:BB over six appearances and 32.1 innings since the beginning of July. He's set to get his next turn through the rotation at home this weekend against the Reds.
