Jason Kubel has been scratched from Friday's lineup against the Houston Astros due to what the team's official Twitter feed is calling a "stiff neck."
Kubel, who also missed last night's exhilarating ninth inning comeback victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, is being replaced in left field by Gerardo Parra. Arizona Republic beat writer Nick Piecoro is reporting that the 30-year-old outfielder hopes to be back into action tomorrow for game two of the series.
Kubel has been a key cog in the Diamondbacks lineup this season, batting .276 with 25 HR and 77 RBI after coming to the desert from Minnesota. Second baseman Aaron Hill will replace Kubel in the three hole tonight against lefty Dallas Keuchel after manager Kirk Gibson elected to move Justin Upton to that position for last night's matchup.
It is possible Gibby might decide to give Kubel some extended rest with the caliber of opponent they're playing this weekend. And that might not be the worst idea ever as Kubel has only been batting .190 (4-21) in the past week.
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