D-backs pick Lopez 4th starter
TUCSON, ARIZ.(AP) —Arizona manager A.J. Hinch has picked Rodrigo Lopez as the team’s fourth starter. Lopez, a non-roster invitee to spring training, outpitched Billy Buckner and Kevin Mulvey for the job. The 34-year-old right-hander underwent Tommy John elbow surgery in 2007. Buckner and Mulvey were optioned to Triple-A Reno, as were first baseman Brandon Allen and outfielder Cole Gillespie. Catcher Sean Coughlin was reassigned to the minor league camp. Lopez is 1-0 with a 2.35 ERA in 15 1-3 innings this spring. He has one more start Friday night against the Chicago Cubs at Chase Field in Phoenix. Lopez has a 68-66 major league career record with San Diego, Baltimore, Colorado and Philadelphia. Arizona will begin the season with four starters because a fifth won’t be needed until mid-April.



