Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Bukauskas' demotion was due to the reliever's inconsistency, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.
Bukauskas has alternated between dominant and hittable outings this season, which prompted Thursday's option to Triple-A Reno. "From a manager's standpoint, I need dependability," Lovullo said. "I need to know what's coming out of the bullpen every time. If you're consistent and you know what's going to be happening with each guy that you're going to put into a game, it makes my decision a lot easier." The demotion preceded a bullpen meltdown Thursday during a 5-4 loss to the Giants, in which Taylor Clarke and Tyler Clippard combined to blow a 4-0 ninth-inning lead. There should be a roster spot for someone like Bukauskas in a bullpen that features three guys signed to minor-league contracts in the offseason and two claimed off waivers in 2021, but first he needs to earn his manager's trust.