Johan Maya, a Diamondbacks scout founded in the Dominican Republic, died Thursday morning by COVID-19. He’s 40.
Maya joined the Diamondbacks in 2018 after spending 15 years with the Houston Astros.
Maya’s fitness temporarily subsided in just a few days, Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen said. He entered the hospital last weekend, put on a fan in the middle of the week and died Thursday morning.
He is survived by his wife, Edulig, and three children. His wife expects a child later this year.
Maya, a Venezuelan, spent time coaching and scouting with the Astros.
“He was a smart headhunter,” said César Geronimo Jr., who oversees Diamondbacks’ selection operations in Latin America. “He wasn’t a rah-rah guy who enjoyed it with all the players. He was meticulous with what he enjoyed. So when I enjoyed a player, be careful because I was a smart player.
“I know the baseball gods are probably satisfied that he’s with him, but the baseball world down here is very dissatisfied because we’ve lost a smart one.”
Hazen said Diamondbacks’ managing spouse Ken Kendrick pledged to support Maya’s family.
“Ken’s reaction is that he’s a component of the family,” Hazen said, “and we’re going to take care of him and his family.”
Manager Torey Lovullo said he is looking ahead to see how left-hander Madison Bumgarner’s competitive nature comes to life Friday as opposed to the San Diego Padres on his Debut with the Diamondbacks.
“I think there’s a facility in its day, you were given that smart center rate, and I know you adjust the gears when you walk on the mound,” Lovullo said. “I can’t wait to see what it looks like. Array… I saw him for a long time in the country. I’m glad you’re part of our team.”
The Diamondbacks signed Bumgarner to a five-year, $85 million contract in December.
Lovullo refused to share the opening day schedule on Friday with the media, saying he was looking to make sure his players had noticed it first.
One thing he’s willing to say: Christian Walker, who on the 30-man roster, will start with the designated hitter. Walker has not played in an exhibition game or inside the team since July 12 due to a strain on the right groin.
Lovullo used right fielder Kole Calhoun to lead in the two off-competition games opposed to the previous Dodgers this week, but it’s more about making sure Calhoun gets as many bats as possible. Calhoun was delayed upon arriving at the camp through a positive COVID-19 test.
The next 4 spots in the Dodgers lineup were arguably the club’s first four hitters on Friday: Ketel Marte, Starling Marte, Eduardo Escobar and David Peralta.
Right-handers Taylor Clarke and Taylor Widener and framer/gardener Josh Rojas were the last 3 additions to the club’s 30-man roster. Hazen said the inclusion of Clarke and Widener was largely a matter of adding length, i.e. pitchers who can throw innings.
He said the organization of the post was about adding “flexibility and having an effect in some way.” Rojas can play in various positions, although he has experienced offensive difficulties, recording below-average numbers last season in the majors, during spring education and back at summer camp.