Edgar Gonzalez RHP, 0-0, 0.00

Franklin Morales LHP, 0-0, 0.00

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We could be seeing quite a lot of Edgar Gonzalez over the next couple of months, initially as a replacement for Randy Johnson (just like last season), and then standing in for Doug Davis. But EdGon is typically phlegmatic about that, saying, “I’m not thinking about that. I just want to throw well and do what I can to help the team to win. Whatever Bob says, I’m going to be ready for that.” This is a wise approach to take, given last year, he made twelve starts, but appeared out of the bullpen twenty times, pitching in relief anywhere from the first inning to the eleventh.

[As an aside, the above piece also mentions that Randy Johnson's return might not be on the 14th as previously expected - I think the poor results of his first Tucson start have made everyone a bit more cautious. Melvin says, “We’ll see what next time out holds as far as pitches and innings. I’ve never been married to a certain date. We forecast certain dates, but if he feels like physically he needs anther one, depending on how many pitches he throws, we can do that as well.” That would likely mean the Petit Unit on the 15th, with Johnson likely returning on the 22nd or thereabouts.]

It's going to be a bit hard for Edgar, who hasn't pitched since a minor-league game a week past Thursday. He has thrown a couple of bullpen sessions on the side, to try and stay fresh, and if anyone has the mental experience of pitching outside a set schedule, it's Gonzalez. To some extent, this contest can be regarded somewhat as icing. While it'd be lovely to win it, and complete the sweep over a divisional rival, we have already clinched the series and are guaranteed a road-trip no worse than 3-3, which is the benchmark I aim for - last season, we were 40-41 on the road.

Not sure my personal status for this. I'm supposed to be acting in a short film this morning, so am about to head off to that - playing the role of a therapist, I think largely because they like the British accent! No idea how long that'll go on for, but I'd be quite surprised if I'm back here in time for a noon first pitch.