Image: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE

The later is what actually happened as the D-backs called up Ryan Wheeler from Triple-A Reno.

Wheeler was drafted in the fifth round of the 2009 amateur draft out of Loyola Marymount University. He is listed at 6’3″ and 235 lbs. on the Reno Aces team site but is probably a bit heavier than that.

Wheeler has played 3B in 49 games this season but has also played 32 at 1B and 10 in LF. His defensive acumen, or lack thereof, at 3B lead many to believe he will not play there in the majors.

Unfortunately for the D-backs, that is the one position on the diamond that is the most easily upgraded.

Ryan Roberts, Josh Bell, Cody Ransom, and Willie Bloomquist have not been able to hold down 3B this season and the D-backs have really struggled to find any offensive output from the position.

The D-backs 3B have combined for a putrid .632 OPS for the season at 3B. That is by far the worst number of all eight fielding positions for the D-backs.

And Wheeler should be able to help out with his bat.

This year at Reno, (It should be noted that Reno is an extreme hitters’ park. Imagine Coors field with everybody on steroids) Wheeler is hitting .351 with a .572 slugging percentage. That’s inflated and Wheeler wouldn’t come anywhere close to those averages in the majors.

A more realistic upside for Wheeler is his 2011 stats in Double-A Mobile. Wheeler hit .294 with a .465 slugging. If he hits close to that, the D-backs will find room for him on the roster even if he isn’t able to play 3B like I’m sure many are hoping he can.

The most likely scenario for Wheeler is as a platoon mate for Paul Goldschmidt. Wheeler is a lefty hitter and destroys right-handed pitching and struggles against lefties. Paul Goldschmidt on the other hand is ungodly against lefties and struggles a bit against right handers. It’s possible that Wheeler and Goldschmidt could create a platoon tandem that is devastating against lefties and righties.

Miley, who had only allowed four earned runs in his previous four games combined, brought less than his A-game tonight, and the Brewer’s were quick to capitalize.

Ryan Braun led the Brew Crew by pounding two home runs and collecting three RBI’s for the squad on the night. Former Arizona Diamondback Cody Ransom joined the hit parade and collected four RBI’s off of two hits on the night, one being a three run bomb to left-center field.

Arizona’a offense was silent for most of the evening, collecting only six hits all night. Miguel Montero was able to collect a home run in the losing effort.

The snakes will send Josh Collmenter to the mound tomorrow in the rubber game of the three game series.

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Daniel Hudson delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates before going on the 15-day disabled list. Hudson started Sunday against the Brewers and threw five solid innings in his return. (Image: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE)

Hudson was on the disabled list after suffering an impingement on his right shoulder.  Prior to his DL stint, Hudson was 1-1 with a 6.00 ERA after just three starts on the young season.  Hudson replaced young pitching prospect Patrick Corbin, who was sensational at times, and at other times not so good.  Corbin was 2-3 with a 5.27 ERA in five starts in Hudson’s absence.  For Corbin it was valuable time with the parent club while it will serve him as learning experience for the next time he is called up.

Hudson’s return for the Diamondbacks is a welcome return to a struggling starting rotation.  Wade Miley and Trevor Cahill have been spectacular, while Joe Saunders and Ian Kennedy  are struggling, so Hudson could breathe new life and confidence into his teammates.

His effect was apparent during his first start back against the Brewers and although he didn’t figure in the decision and only lasted five innings, he was able to keep the D-backs within striking distance.  He only allowed one walk and struck out three while only allowing two runs.

The heroes of the game for the Diamondbacks were Paul Goldschmidt, Jason Kubel, Ryan Roberts, and Henry Blanco whom all had an RBI apiece.  Goldschmidt’s came on a moon shot of a home run off the batter’s eye in center field officially measured at 471 feet.  Kubel tied the game with his RBI and then Blanco hit in the go ahead run and the bullpen held up.

J.J. Putz pitched the ninth for his 11th save of the season while Bryan Shaw got the final two outs of the sixth inning for the win.  Brewers starter Randy Wolf threw well enough for the win, but ended up getting a no decision after errors cost the Brewers the lead and eventually the game.  Former D-back Cody Ransom went one for two against his former club with an RBI, two walks, and a run scored.

The Diamondbacks open a three-game series against division-rival San Francisco Monday at AT&T Park with Trevor Cahill going against Barry Zito.  If the Diamondbacks are going to make up ground, they are going to have to continue getting decent pitching from their starters and getting offensive support from everyone.  Winning is contagious and hopefully everyone in the Diamondbacks clubhouse has is infected with winning after this series.

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