Roster moves
The Arizona Diamondbacks made the following roster moves. The D-backs’ 40-man roster is at 40.
- Recalled from Triple-A Reno: LHP Philip Abner
- Optioned to Triple-A Reno: RHP José Cabrera
Nothing really to see here. Cabrera’s spot in the rotation won’t come up again before the All-Star break, so we might as well use his slot on the roster for an extra bullpen arm. The next time we need a fifth starter will be Tuesday July 21st. However, I believe a pitcher can’t be recalled for 15 days, so looks like we would need to call up someone else for that start on the 21st. Maybe Michael Soroka will be fit enough by that point? Haven’t heard very much about his rehab situation of late.
Anyway, with regard to tonight, the D-backs will attempt to split a series which began with so much promise in an easy 8-0 win on Monday night. However, since then, things have turned sour quickly. Amazing how fan sentiment can switch on a dime. But a loss tonight would give Arizona a three-game losing streak going into the fiery inferno of Dodger Stadium, for a three-game set against the team with the best record in the majors. The Dodgers are currently on pace for 105 wins, taking the division by 24 games. That would be the biggest margin since MLB expanded to 30 teams in 1998. The Indians won the AL Central by thirty in 1995, in a shortened, 144-game season. Which might or might not make it better or worse!
Let’s worry about that when we get to it. Or, not at all – which is likely going to be my approach, since I will largely be otherwise occupied this weekend. I suspect burying my head in non-baseball related activities might be for the best. But getting out of San Diego with a win, would give us a split of the four-game set. It’s hard to win any such series on the road, and I think I’d have taken that if you’d offered it on Monday afternoon. However, it is a Merrill Kelly start, though last time out he beat the Brewers, for his first win in five weeks. He even tied a season-high for strikeouts with… um, six. Maybe something to build on? We’ll see…
And Tim Tawa at 1B. Sure. Why not?
