The Arizona Diamondbacks return back home this week to take on the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers. The team is looking to make one last big surge before heading into the All-Star break, where Wade Miley will be headed to Kansas City to showcase his talents.
There is quite a bit of news to get to, so let's jump right in...
Geoff Blum has been activated from the 60-day DL and will be available to play right away, according to manager Kirk Gibson. He did not rule out the possibility of Blum playing in a pinch-hitter role tonight.
Take his place on the disabled list is John McDonald, who told Gibson that he could not play over the weekend, even though he was penciled in to play. He will make his way to the 15-day DL with an oblique strain. Gibby stressed the fact that he could be back in as soon as just a few days.
Daniel Hudson, as you probably know by now, tore his UCL and will require Tommy John surgery. He is scheduled to go under the knife next Monday with Dr. Lewis Yocum.
Joe Saunders apparently feels healthy once again and ready to go. Gibby said that he will, "throw some live BP tomorrow (Tuesday)." The team will look for any oddities or pains that he may experience during the batting practice session to determine whether or not he will make a rehab start or be thrown right back into the rotation. Gibby stated that they will be looking out for his "long-term health", so it doesn't appear that they will push him too hard to get back.
As for Takashi Saito, Gibson said while leaving the interview room that he has apparently gotten over his illness, but now his shoulder hurts. The extent of that injury is unknown, but it still doesn't sound like he will be in the big leagues for some time.
Below are the lineups for tonight. As you may have noticed, Jason Kubel has the night off. This has nothing to do with him fouling the ball off his knee over the weekend, but Gibby just said that, "he was already going to give him a day off."
"He's been grinding, he's been pushing. You can tell. The other night, he struck out four times. He's been going so good for us, he needs the day off," Gibson said of Kubel.
Stephen Drew also has the night off after playing four of the six games during the road trip. "He played Saturday night and Sunday during the game. I was really happy about that... Hopefully he'll be okay to play tomorrow," Gibby said. Gibson also said he wishes Drew would have been more productive, but noted that it is tough after coming back to the majors after a year layoff.
A couple of other quick notes:
Josh Collmenter is still scheduled to make his next start. Whether he does or not remains to be seen, as Gibson did say that he prefers him as a long reliever.
When asked if Trevor Bauer will be up in the majors for some time, Gibby said that the plan is for him to be with the D-backs for the remainder of the year, barring some unforeseen injury. I will have a bit more news on Bauer after the game.
Diamondbacks-
Willie Bloomquist (SS)
Aaron Hill (2B)
Justin Upton (RF)
Paul Goldschmidt (1B)
Miguel Montero (C)
Chris Young (CF)
Ryan Roberts (3B)
Gerardo Parra (LF)
Trevor Cahill (P)
Padres-
Will Venable (RF)
Alexi Amarista (2B)
Chase Headly (3B)
Carlos Quentin (LF)
Yasmani Grandal (C)
Yonder Alonso (1B)
Cameron Maybin (CF)
Everth Cabrera (SS)
Clayton Richard (P)