Arizona Diamondbacks – players recall to bolster bullpen
By Mark Brown
The Arizona Diamondbacks recall five players and reactive two others
LOS ANGELES – The plethora of players called up by the Arizona Diamondbacks before Tuesday’s game merely accentuates the extended look intended for each player.
While jobs may, or may not, be on the line for next season, manager Chip Hale tells listeners that players are here for auditions. Still, many appear to be a lock, and continue their careers in the desert. Given the lateness of this season, and the end is nearing for this marathon campaign, each team including the Arizona Diamondbacks, need length from relievers.
For that reason, the Arizona Diamondbacks recalled five players prior to their game with the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, and reactived two others. Of the seven who joined the roster, four are pitchers. These include, lefties Andrew Chafin and Steve Hathaway, and right-handers Matt Koch and Dominic Leone. Others joining the team are outfielders Peter O’Brien and Mitch Haniger along with catcher Chris Herrmann.
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“The number of players we called up is pretty much the norm,” Hale said prior to Tuesday’s game in Dodger Stadium. “We’re also looking for length, and that’s why Hathaway and Koch are here.”
One possible pitcher on the Diamondbacks’ spring training radar screen could lefty Jared Miller. After putting up creditable numbers as a reliever with Advanced-A Visalia and Double-A Mobile, Miller was promoted to Triple-A Reno at the end of the season.
“If anyone can throw left-hander, and you’re moving and breathing, we’ll look at you,” Hale said with a wry smile. “There are some others who stick out as well.”
Aside from Miller, the Diamondbacks take get a long look at Yuhei Nakaushiro, a 26-year-old left-hander out of Kinki University in Japan. With combined Visalia and Reno, Nakaushiro went 0-0 with a 1.23 ERA. In his final 10 appearances with Reno, he allowed no earned runs.
In the meantime, Hale and decision-makers will make do with what is currently on the roster. The bullpen, beleaguered and overworked, will limp to the finish line. Positon players like Paul Goldschmidt, A. J. Pollock, Jake Lamb, Chris Owings and Welington Castillo, will try and put up numbers, and Hale will try and find ways to stem criticism and keep his job.
When he was hired in Oct., 2014, Hale signed a two-year deal with an option. Earlier this season, the Diamondbacks picked up his option, but club management could also make the decision to dismiss Hale.
Elsewhere ..
Right-hander Rubby De La Rosa could be close to joining the Arizona Diamondbacks. After throwing Monday night, he is slated for another session by this weekend. De La Rosa was placed on the disabled list May 27 with right elbow inflammation.
“He will not be activated until he can pitch,” Hale said prior to Tuesday’s game. “Rubby gives us additional options, including the possibility of going to a six-man rotation.”
Next: Greinke hit hard by Dodgers
When he went down, De La Rosa was 4-5 with a 4.15 ERA in 11 appearances and eight starts.