The Dontrelle Willis Experiment Blows Up in Arizona

On June 1, 2010, the Arizona Diamondbacks announced a trade with the Detroit Tigers. Arizona would send right-handed pitcher, Billy Buckner, to the Tigers in exchange for left-handed pitcher, Dontrelle Willis. Given Willis’s struggles with his control, a lot of baseball fans were left scratching their heads at the trade.

But Arizona was in dire need of finding a starting pitcher who could step into the injured Brandon Webb's spot, and Buckner had been inconsistent, so it was hoped that a change of scenery would benefit both players.

Willis was excited at the prospect of playing in Arizona and his energetic demeanor would be a huge plus for the struggling Diamondbacks. In his first start, Willis showed signs of brilliance peppered with control issues. Although he got the win, it wasn’t pretty.

Over the next four weeks, Willis would make five starts. In those starts, he went 1-1, throwing 22.1 innings, while allowing 24 hits and 17 runs. He struck out 14 batters and walked 27 men. His ERA was 5.91.

In one of his last acts as the Diamondbacks' manager, A.J. Hinch demoted Willis to the bullpen, hoping the move would allow him to correct his mechanics. Like many other pitchers who had been assigned to the Diamondbacks' bullpen, Willis struggled.

During the 14-1 loss last Saturday, Willis came in and threw one inning, giving up three runs on three hits. He did strike out two and did not walk anyone, but his ERA ballooned to 6.85.

Interim GM Jerry Dipoto had seen enough and designated Dontrelle Willis for assignment. The Diamondbacks now have 10 days to trade Willis. If no one claims him and he passes through waivers, Willis can be re-signed to a minor league contract and sent to Reno.

So as quickly as it started, the Dontrelle Willis experiment has ended, and the Diamondbacks will once again look within to find a fifth starter for the remainder of the season.