Diamondbacks sign Zack Littell to bolster starting rotation depth

The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed veteran right-hander Zack Littell to strengthen their pitching rotation. Littell, who has a 4.97 ERA in 112 1/3 innings this season with the Washington Nationals, was designated for assignment last week. His addition comes after the Diamondbacks were unable to acquire another pitcher before the trade deadline, namely right-hander Clay Holmes from the New York Mets. The Diamondbacks expect to have Michael Soroka back from the injured list to pitch on August 10 against the Colorado Rockies, with Mitch Bratt slated to start on August 11.

• 8:29 PMYahoo Sports — Diamondbacks to sign veteran starting pitcher, sources say