Preview, #32: 5/3 @ Rockies

Bit of a surprise roster move for the Diamondbacks before they headed from Phoenix to Colorado. Catcher Caleb Joseph was optioned to Reno, with outfielder and HBP magnet Tim Locastro being recalled. This was unexpected, not least because it means that Arizona, for the first time this year, will only be carrying two “regular” catchers on the roster. Though, of course, the team does still have Blake Swihart available. So in the event that a crazed, catcher-averse psychopath storms the field and takes out both Carson Kelly and John Ryan Murphy, the D-backs would still be okay. That’s a relief. I wouldn’t want the team to take that risk otherwise...

At first, I thought it strange for the team to be adding an extra position player to the roster before a series at Coors. Usually, it’s an additional bullpen arm who gets the call, because of the toll that the altitude takes on pitching - and starting pitching in particular. However, I forgot that the team does have an “extra” bullpen arm already present, in the shape of former rotation member Zack Godley. We don’t need a fifth starter until the next series in Tampa, so that gives us the ability to operate with him as an additional reliever, effectively giving the Diamondbacks an eight-man bullpen at Coors. Still no word from the team on who might be taking his rotation spot, by the way.

Robbie Ray didn’t have his best stuff last time out, allowing three runs over five innings, on five hits - two of which left the park - and a walk. However, he did have a nice K:BB of 7:1, and it was still enough to get him his first victory of the season. That’s back-to-back outings for Ray with just the one base on balls, so we’ll see what tonight brings. Ray has NEVER had three consecutive outings allowing one or zero walks, so this would be uncharted territory for him, if Robbie can pull it off tonight. With opponent Tyler Anderson sporting an ERA in double-digits, I’m hopeful the Diamondbacks can cash in, and get Ray his second victory of the season.