Last year, Ryan Roberts was a surprising contributor for a surprising Diamondbacks team. As an everyday player, Roberts slugged 19 home runs and started the majority of the time at third base. In the division series against the Brewers, Roberts batted 7-for-20 with a pair of dingers, and it was in part thanks to his heroics that the Diamondbacks forced a decisive fifth game.

Here's the occasional shame about surprises: in time they can become what you thought they would be. So far in 2012, Roberts -- who is 31 -- has posted a 74 OPS+. And now he's on the move, somewhere.

D-backs designate Ryan Roberts for assignment; reinstate John McDonald from disabled list.

— MLB (@MLB) July 24, 2012

There was a report Monday that the Rays are interested in acquiring Roberts. Roberts stands to be in demand as a more or less freely-available player with a recent track record of success. He'll find a new home, but it's not going to be like the home that he's leaving.

The Diamondbacks will move forward without a clear answer at third base, but they would've done that with or without Roberts on the roster.