D-backs call up outfielder Inciarte, return Kieschnick to Reno

PHOENIX --€“ The Diamondbacks have recalled  outfielder Ender Inciarte from Triple-A Reno and optioned outfielder Roger Kieschnick to Reno.

Inciarte, 23, was named by Baseball America as the D-backs' "Fastest Baserunner" and "Best Outfield Arm" in its 2014 Best Tools Survey.

In 26 games as the Aces center fielder this season, he is hitting .312 with 22 runs scored, four doubles, two triples, 2 homers, 12 RBI and seven stolen bases in nine attempts.

He is the fourth Venezuelan player on the Diamondbacks roster, joining Miguel Montero, Gerardo Parra and Martin Prado. Coach Henry Blanco is also from Venezuela.

Ender Inciarte

The left-handed hitting Inciarte has a .284 career average over seven minor league seasons with 12 home runs and 161 stolen bases in 213 attempts. He opened the 2013 regular season on the Philadelphia Phillies major league roster after being selected from Arizona in the Rule 5 Draft but was returned to the D-backs organization before playing in a major-league game.

Kieschnick played in four games for the D-backs after being recalled on April 24 and was hitless in seven at-bats.

"Roger struggled, and (we) felt he was a little over-matched right now," manager Kirk Gibson said.

"Ender kind of gives us a little different perspective, maybe defensively as well.

"He's a very good defender at all three positions. He's got speed. He handles the bat probably a little better. We initally went with Roger because he had a little more pop. Ender is more of a contact guy. A guy who can bunt. Can move the runners with him as well. He can steal some bases.

"When you look at speed, it is something you can utilize offensively and defensively."