Gameday Thread, #85: 7/4 vs. Padres
by Jim McLennan
on Jul 4, 2008 3:01 PM EDT
San Diego @ Arizona
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Baseball-Reference.com preview [opens in new window]
Happy Fourth of July, folks. Getting this up here early, since I've got nothing better to do today. Great, isn't it? And look! It's another National League West team! I'd almost forgotten they existed, since we'd been spending our time in exotic locations like Minnesota and Boston, hobnobbing with our country cousins ["What? You mean your roof doesn't open? How barbaric!"] and the New England Yankees respectively. Now, it's back to more familiar territory: beating up on the cellar-dwelling Padres.
How bad are the Padres? They just lost more games in barely 24 hours to the Rockies, than we have to Colorado all season. They have dropped 14 of their past 16, with both wins going to Heath Bell [my fantasy team thanks you]. You know how Davis, Owings and Johnson combined for one win in June? Well, in the Padres' rotation, none of their starters have seen a W in more than three weeks, since June 12. But the offense has been equally inept, scoring 52 runs in those 16 games - fifteen coming in one bizarro game at Coors. That makes 37 in the other 15, or less than two and a half runs per game. And you thought our offense was struggling.
Byung-Hyun Kim makes a return to Chase tonight, now operating under the pseudonym of Cha-Seung Baek. Or maybe it just seems that way, looking at the ERA and W/L record? He did have a couple of decent starts in June, but our offense seems to be clicking a bit. We've had double-digits in hits the past four games in a row, tying a streak back in April - you have to go back to June 2005, to find the last time we had a longer one. Baek would seem a good candidate to help us, with opponents hitting .289 off his this year.
We'll be there in person, and are looking forward to our D-backs t-shirts, if we arrive there early enough. Looks like the game is basically sold out - the team site refuses to cough up two tickets, in any section - so the place should be rockin' on through the fireworks show afterwards. We did contemplate taking the bus down, but the route goes right past Steele Indian School Park, where the Phoenix Fourth of July celebration is going on, so that will probably be a complete mess. Another time, perhaps. Forecasters also say there's a 20% chance of a repeat of last night's storm, which would make things interesting...
One name was notable by its absence from the dogpile around home-plate after yesterday's Matinee Miracle (TM pending). Eric Byrnes, who has not been seen at Chase since he tore his hamstring on Monday, as "he seeks further medical attention." Chris Snyder, on the other hand, was right back in the dugout, fractured testicle or not - an injury which would seem far more likely to me to have "further medical attention," written through it like a stick of Blackpool candy.
Oh, and it might - or might not - be worth flipping over to WGN for the Cubs-Cards game just before our first-pitch, as there is scheduled to be some, ah, additional entertainment, to celebrate life, liberty and the pursuit of...well, I'm not quite sure what. Though I have a sneaking suspicion nothing will happen, except the PayPal account of the participant in question will be increased by hopeful spectators. Still, the founding fathers of this great nation would be proud by such free enterprise...
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Standing room only tonight
and what a nice lead in as provided by yesterdays win. People are still buzzing about it around town.
"It's like deja vu all over again."
by unnamedDBacksfan on Jul 4, 2008 3:13 PM EDT 0 recs
Enjoy the game tonight, folks!
We’re leaving to go see the ChiSox in another hour and a half—if anyone wants any special White Sox memorabilia, I’ll be checking back until then.
Mark Reynolds: Turning me gay since '07
by DbacksSkins on Jul 4, 2008 4:02 PM EDT 0 recs
How about an A's win?? That'd be a nice gift! :)
I’ll be watching the game.. where are you sitting?
by snakecharmer on
Jul 4, 2008 4:18 PM EDT
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In the OF, up the first base line, in the lower deck.
Section 114, row 21, seats 7 and 8. She’ll be wearing a white and black shirt, jeans and a black chisox hat, I’m in white shorts and a black and white shirt.
Mark Reynolds: Turning me gay since '07
by DbacksSkins on
Jul 4, 2008 5:10 PM EDT
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Also,
dunno about the A’s win. I’ve always liked the ChiSox and they’re the home team, so…
Mark Reynolds: Turning me gay since '07
by DbacksSkins on
Jul 4, 2008 5:32 PM EDT
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I can't think of anything
but I do like the White Sox ;-)
By all means hit at a glacial pace. You know how that thrills me.
by soco on
Jul 4, 2008 4:41 PM EDT
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I couldn't get tickets for today.
:(
That’s what I get for trying to go cheap. :\
Skins. Buy me something. I don’t care what. :-)
I’ll get you something next time I’m at a Dbacks game in the very near future (August 9th, I believe. I’ll probably end up at a couple games before that, too.)
Go Dbacks.
Two days later, Eric Byrnes missed three games for excessive crying, and started listening to emo. At the same time, Emily changed her name to emilylovesthedbacksexceptthatloserericbyrnes.
by emilylovesthedbacks on Jul 4, 2008 4:33 PM EDT 0 recs
Giants 2-0 up against the Dodgers
After the first. Long may that continue!
Yes, today, I’m a Giants’ fan. 1 1/2 game leads cause strange bedfellows!
by Jim McLennan on Jul 4, 2008 4:34 PM EDT 0 recs
I know huh
I feel so weird cheering for the Giants…
by snakecharmer on
Jul 4, 2008 5:01 PM EDT
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I can't really hate the Giants....
....since they so totally suck this year. And Barry is gone.
Besides, I think Barry might look good in Sedona Red.
For a few months, anyway.
Mark Reynolds: Turning me gay since '07
by DbacksSkins on
Jul 4, 2008 5:11 PM EDT
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They have some pretty fun young players
so I don’t have too much qualms rooting for them, especially if they can help give us some breathing room.
By all means hit at a glacial pace. You know how that thrills me.
by soco on
Jul 4, 2008 5:13 PM EDT
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They're up 5-2 in the 4th
Yeah, their young players are nice to watch.
by snakecharmer on
Jul 4, 2008 5:30 PM EDT
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Apparently Fred Lewis
stole home again today, his second this week. Insanity.
By all means hit at a glacial pace. You know how that thrills me.
by soco on
Jul 4, 2008 5:56 PM EDT
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He's like
an Emilio Bonifacio who can HIT!
Mark Reynolds: Turning me gay since '07
by DbacksSkins on
Jul 5, 2008 12:18 AM EDT
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Didn't last
Dodgers up 8-5 in the seventh.
BAD Giants…
by Jim McLennan on
Jul 4, 2008 6:37 PM EDT
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Freakin' Giants
I pull for ‘em this one time, and this is how they repay me.
By all means hit at a glacial pace. You know how that thrills me.
by soco on
Jul 4, 2008 7:21 PM EDT
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10-7, final.
Mark Reynolds: Turning me gay since '07
by DbacksSkins on
Jul 5, 2008 12:17 AM EDT
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They are a constant disappointment.
"Evil lurks everywhere, often in plain sight... Can you lurk in plain sight? Or is that just walking?"
by kishi on
Jul 5, 2008 12:18 AM EDT
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Alright, I'm out.
Take it easy, all.
Mark Reynolds: Turning me gay since '07
by DbacksSkins on Jul 4, 2008 5:33 PM EDT 0 recs
Go Sox!
By all means hit at a glacial pace. You know how that thrills me.
by soco on
Jul 4, 2008 5:42 PM EDT
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From azcentral.com
Haren won the National League Pitcher of the Month for June. He led the league with a 1.32 ERA (six earned runs in 41 innings) while his 36 strikeouts ranked sixth. He won all three of his decisions in June, and the team was 2-1 when he did not factor in the decision
It's like living with a six-year old.
by 4 Corners Fan on Jul 4, 2008 5:52 PM EDT 0 recs
Go Haren, go Haren, go Haren!
By all means hit at a glacial pace. You know how that thrills me.
by soco on
Jul 4, 2008 5:54 PM EDT
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Woo!
Go Danny Haren!
Two days later, Eric Byrnes missed three games for excessive crying, and started listening to emo. At the same time, Emily changed her name to emilylovesthedbacksexceptthatloserericbyrnes.
by emilylovesthedbacks on
Jul 4, 2008 6:03 PM EDT
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Show some manners, Jim
We don’t call someone barbaric just because their roof doesn’t open.
We describe it as “quaint.”
"Evil lurks everywhere, often in plain sight... Can you lurk in plain sight? Or is that just walking?"
by kishi on Jul 4, 2008 7:38 PM EDT 0 recs
Re: fireworks celebration
Surely they could find a better place to hold that than Steel park?
Given the VA hospital on the corner, I’m sure the PSTD and other injured vets will just luurrve them all the flashbangs in the windows.
Sheesh.
by nargel on Jul 4, 2008 7:54 PM EDT 0 recs
They've had them there
for a couple of years now. Never heard anyone complain from the VA either… it’s a good point though you raise and one I would think they explored before making that decision to move the show.
I LOVE that park. I used to live at 7th Ave and Osborn and would take my dog there for walks.
"It's like deja vu all over again."
by unnamedDBacksfan on
Jul 4, 2008 8:12 PM EDT
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AFIK the VA complained
last year and asked for a change of venue and were pretty much told to shut up and get over it by the organizers. I will do some more research on this but this is what I remember from that case.
by nargel on
Jul 4, 2008 8:26 PM EDT
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That's too bad if true
The park is the perfect venue for this, but not at the expense of upsetting the VA residents….
"It's like deja vu all over again."
by unnamedDBacksfan on
Jul 4, 2008 8:33 PM EDT
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If any of the writers want to do the recap after the game
I’d be fine with that. :-) Basically, by the time this one is over, the fireworks are done, and we make our way out with the other 45,000 people, then get home…I think any report I do will be datelined Saturday morning! Not that it’s a problem if everyone is busy eating hot-dogs or whatever. First-come first-served, or sort it out among yourselves!
by Jim McLennan on Jul 4, 2008 8:32 PM EDT 0 recs
Unfortunately
I won’t be around at all. First services, than a party to welcome the new rabbi, then a 4th of July party means no baseball for me this day.
By all means hit at a glacial pace. You know how that thrills me.
by soco on
Jul 4, 2008 8:40 PM EDT
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And with that...
Off to enjoy baseball on the fourth of July. We should have got some apple pie!
by Jim McLennan on Jul 4, 2008 8:33 PM EDT 0 recs
Looks like it'll be an active
thunderstorm night tonight.. Nature just might be providing her own firework show…..
"It's like deja vu all over again."
by unnamedDBacksfan on Jul 4, 2008 8:35 PM EDT 0 recs
Starting line up for the only team that matters
Don’t really care enough about san diego to post their line up
Arizona
S. Drew ss
J. Upton rf
O. Hudson 2b
C. Jackson lf
C. Tracy 1b
M. Reynolds
C. Young cf
M. Montero c
D. Haren p
"It's like deja vu all over again."
by unnamedDBacksfan on Jul 4, 2008 9:38 PM EDT 0 recs
Do my eyes decieve me
Or did Haren shave?
I want to be in Haren's harem.
by luckycc on Jul 4, 2008 9:41 PM EDT 0 recs
I think he shaved before his last start. Kind of looks like he’s starting on a new beard, though.
"Evil lurks everywhere, often in plain sight... Can you lurk in plain sight? Or is that just walking?"
by kishi on
Jul 4, 2008 9:46 PM EDT
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I think I may have been working last time
So I missed seeing this wonder in person.
I want to be in Haren's harem.
by luckycc on
Jul 4, 2008 9:48 PM EDT
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Looking back through the Gameday Threads, look like he shaved before the game on the 30th.
"Evil lurks everywhere, often in plain sight... Can you lurk in plain sight? Or is that just walking?"
by kishi on
Jul 4, 2008 9:52 PM EDT
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This goes against the theory that he keeps his powers in his beard
Actually, I’m glad. He looks much better without the mountain man beard.
I want to be in Haren's harem.
by luckycc on
Jul 4, 2008 9:55 PM EDT
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1-2-3
Getting used to seeing innings like that from Haren. Nice start to the game.
"Evil lurks everywhere, often in plain sight... Can you lurk in plain sight? Or is that just walking?"
by kishi on Jul 4, 2008 9:45 PM EDT 0 recs
nice start to the game
is anyone else having a lot of trouble posting tonight?
"It's like deja vu all over again."
by unnamedDBacksfan on Jul 4, 2008 9:47 PM EDT 0 recs
Working fine for me.
"Evil lurks everywhere, often in plain sight... Can you lurk in plain sight? Or is that just walking?"
by kishi on
Jul 4, 2008 9:47 PM EDT
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must be my computer
I had to close out gameday to get it to work right.
"It's like deja vu all over again."
by unnamedDBacksfan on
Jul 4, 2008 9:49 PM EDT
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Aw, that's beautiful
I love the replay of yesterday’s game.
"Evil lurks everywhere, often in plain sight... Can you lurk in plain sight? Or is that just walking?"
by kishi on Jul 4, 2008 9:47 PM EDT 0 recs
Nice at-bat for Orlando. How about you carry the thread from last night, CoJack?
"Evil lurks everywhere, often in plain sight... Can you lurk in plain sight? Or is that just walking?"
by kishi on Jul 4, 2008 9:54 PM EDT 0 recs
Hudson walks
"It's like deja vu all over again."
by unnamedDBacksfan on Jul 4, 2008 9:54 PM EDT 0 recs
Well, that sucked
"It's like deja vu all over again."
by unnamedDBacksfan on Jul 4, 2008 9:57 PM EDT 0 recs
Hi guys ^^
I’m kinda late, since I was training a bunch of funny guys who decided to play baseball…
gosh… at first time I was atonished when one of them started to run from home to third after a “hit”... phew, I’m glad it was a joke, they were trying to panic me xD
but at the end of the day I felt like it was a good experience… already found a “natural” catcher and a lefty pitcher ^^
well practice again sunday… but this time I’ll bring a cronogram… oh wait, I don’t have it yet =O
well, it can wait… let me watch the dbacks =p
SHIFT Happens!!1
by Muu on Jul 4, 2008 9:58 PM EDT 0 recs
Sounds like fun!
"Evil lurks everywhere, often in plain sight... Can you lurk in plain sight? Or is that just walking?"
by kishi on
Jul 4, 2008 9:59 PM EDT
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Stupid Giants
Can’t even beat the Dodgers when we want them to.
"Evil lurks everywhere, often in plain sight... Can you lurk in plain sight? Or is that just walking?"
by kishi on Jul 4, 2008 9:59 PM EDT 0 recs
Haren Ks his second Gonzalez of the night
"Evil lurks everywhere, often in plain sight... Can you lurk in plain sight? Or is that just walking?"
by kishi on Jul 4, 2008 10:01 PM EDT 0 recs
one pitch, one out
like that
"It's like deja vu all over again."
by unnamedDBacksfan on Jul 4, 2008 10:01 PM EDT 0 recs
No matter how many times I watch Haren’s delivery, it’s still weird.
"Evil lurks everywhere, often in plain sight... Can you lurk in plain sight? Or is that just walking?"
by kishi on Jul 4, 2008 10:02 PM EDT 0 recs
I prefer to imagine it as a Matrix-style slowdown before each pitch.
"Evil lurks everywhere, often in plain sight... Can you lurk in plain sight? Or is that just walking?"
by kishi on
Jul 4, 2008 10:07 PM EDT
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+1
Two days later, Eric Byrnes missed three games for excessive crying, and started listening to emo. At the same time, Emily changed her name to emilylovesthedbacksexceptthatloserericbyrnes.
by emilylovesthedbacks on
Jul 4, 2008 10:12 PM EDT
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damn
the worst team in the division gets a hit first.
"It's like deja vu all over again."
by unnamedDBacksfan on Jul 4, 2008 10:03 PM EDT 0 recs
surprised?
Two days later, Eric Byrnes missed three games for excessive crying, and started listening to emo. At the same time, Emily changed her name to emilylovesthedbacksexceptthatloserericbyrnes.
by emilylovesthedbacks on
Jul 4, 2008 10:12 PM EDT
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We’re Diamondbacks fans. Our hope must border on insanity. =)
"Evil lurks everywhere, often in plain sight... Can you lurk in plain sight? Or is that just walking?"
by kishi on
Jul 4, 2008 10:13 PM EDT
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somethin like that.
Two days later, Eric Byrnes missed three games for excessive crying, and started listening to emo. At the same time, Emily changed her name to emilylovesthedbacksexceptthatloserericbyrnes.
by emilylovesthedbacks on
Jul 4, 2008 10:14 PM EDT
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not really, I was just hoping
"It's like deja vu all over again."
by unnamedDBacksfan on
Jul 4, 2008 10:16 PM EDT
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Anime whiffs
Looking good, Haren..
"Evil lurks everywhere, often in plain sight... Can you lurk in plain sight? Or is that just walking?"
by kishi on Jul 4, 2008 10:05 PM EDT 0 recs
and greene K's for out #3
"It's like deja vu all over again."
by unnamedDBacksfan on Jul 4, 2008 10:06 PM EDT 0 recs
OT-dewpoint is 61.
Radar looks like it is getting very active weather wise near the valley… might not have much man-made fireworks tonight…
"It's like deja vu all over again."
by unnamedDBacksfan on Jul 4, 2008 10:09 PM EDT 0 recs
That'd be nice
Seen some nice lightning the past few nights.
"Evil lurks everywhere, often in plain sight... Can you lurk in plain sight? Or is that just walking?"
by kishi on
Jul 4, 2008 10:10 PM EDT
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Tracy's strikes out to lead off the second.
"Evil lurks everywhere, often in plain sight... Can you lurk in plain sight? Or is that just walking?"
by kishi on Jul 4, 2008 10:09 PM EDT 0 recs
We shouldn't have to
go though the line up twice to get to this guy… Come on DBACKS!
"It's like deja vu all over again."
by unnamedDBacksfan on
Jul 4, 2008 10:11 PM EDT
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D'oh
Special K strikes again.
"Evil lurks everywhere, often in plain sight... Can you lurk in plain sight? Or is that just walking?"
by kishi on Jul 4, 2008 10:11 PM EDT 0 recs
Long out
But a 1-2-3 inning for the Padres
"Evil lurks everywhere, often in plain sight... Can you lurk in plain sight? Or is that just walking?"
by kishi on Jul 4, 2008 10:14 PM EDT 0 recs
Baek's era is now down to 5.25
let’s not make him another cy young contender
"It's like deja vu all over again."
by unnamedDBacksfan on
Jul 4, 2008 10:15 PM EDT
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In that at-bat, he looked like he was going for the Siliver Slugger…
"Evil lurks everywhere, often in plain sight... Can you lurk in plain sight? Or is that just walking?"
by kishi on
Jul 4, 2008 10:19 PM EDT
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Good Grief!
a Double??
"It's like deja vu all over again."
by unnamedDBacksfan on
Jul 4, 2008 10:21 PM EDT
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So anyone know if that girl went streaking at the Cubs/Cards game?
Two days later, Eric Byrnes missed three games for excessive crying, and started listening to emo. At the same time, Emily changed her name to emilylovesthedbacksexceptthatloserericbyrnes.
by emilylovesthedbacks on Jul 4, 2008 10:15 PM EDT 0 recs
No idea
"Evil lurks everywhere, often in plain sight... Can you lurk in plain sight? Or is that just walking?"
by kishi on
Jul 4, 2008 10:23 PM EDT
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You know
Now I’m wondering if that blind guy is lying all the time. Now I’m wondering if he’s even blind.
"Evil lurks everywhere, often in plain sight... Can you lurk in plain sight? Or is that just walking?"
by kishi on Jul 4, 2008 10:15 PM EDT 0 recs
Whoa! Roster moves today
PHOENIX—The Diamondbacks designated outfielder Jeff Salazar for assignment before Friday night’s game against the Padres.
The 27-year-old outfielder was hitting just .202 (20-for-99) with five doubles, a triple, two homers and 10 RBIs this season. In 193 at-bats with the D-backs since last season, Salazar hit .238 as a reserve.
The D-backs have 10 days to either outright, trade or release Salazar, who is out of Minor League options.
“It’s tough,” said utility infielder Augie Ojeda, whose locker is set up right next to Salazar’s. “We lost a good player and a good teammate. We’re going to miss him. Hopefully someone picks him up. He’s a good ballplayer. It’s just one of those things that just happens as part of the business. I wish him the best.
“We see this all the time in this business. I know what he’s going through.”
The D-backs picked Salazar up off waivers from the Rockies before last season.
“He just really hasn’t gotten the amount of at-bats to go up there and have a chance to be productive and that’s partly my fault,” said D-backs manager Bob Melvin. “The tough part about him is you can’t just send him down to get him some consistent at-bats and get him to the point where he could be a productive player for us because he is out of options, so therefore, we were in a position where we had to designate him.
“If he does get claimed, then he’s in the big leagues, which is good for him. If not, then hopefully he accepts the assignment and goes to Triple-A and gets some at-bats because he is a guy that has shown that he can be instrumental and can be a productive player for us.
“He’s a guy that over the last year-plus has fit in very well for us and therefore it’s a difficult one to actually pull the trigger on.”
The D-backs also optioned relief pitcher Connor Robertson back down to Tu