D-backs Preview #77: 6/25 @ Padres

Roster move

The Arizona Diamondbacks made the following roster moves:

• Reinstated RHP Matt Peacock from the Bereavement List.
• Optioned RHP Humberto Castellanos to Triple-A Reno following Wednesday’s game.

In all the excitement over the franchise record 17-game losing streak, I think we’d all quite forgotten about the ongoing 23-game road losing streak. The team has been swept in - not just lost - seven consecutive road series. Marlins, Mets, Dodgers (4), Rockies, Brewers (4), Athletics (2), and Giants (4). As had been well-documented, the last time the D-backs won a game away from Phoenix was two entire months ago, all the way back on April 25th. Madison Bumgarner completed a memorable double-header shutout of the Braves in Atlanta, with his “no-hitter.” Since then, the team has gone 0-23. Though their overall road record is still three games better than that of the Rockies (9-28 vs. 6-31).

There’s part of me that almost wants the team to fling themselves on their swords, for the benefit of the Padres. Or, most accurately, for the benefit of anyone but the Dodgers. San Diego just completed a three-game sweep of Los Angeles, who then got no-hit by the Cubs last night. As a result, SD and LA are in a virtual tie for second place in the division. The Dodgers haven’t been that great of late. Just 6-6 over their last dozen games - and three of those wins were against the D-backs, so are worth about 60 cents on the dollar. While they still have the second-best record in the league, they’re only two games safe from dropping out of a wild-card spot. If losing to the Padres makes that happen... It’s a cost I will pay.

David Peralta notes

David Peralta addressed the media today and answered questions about the incident caught on T.V. in Wednesday afternoon’s game. Prior to the ZOOM session starting he was in a great mood, laughing and joking with the writers. Asked what he was saying:

Yeah, I was talking to the outfielders when I got to the dugout. It’s kinda like get the defense going. This is not us, we need to do a better job, including myself, the way things were going on in that game. The camera probably got me because I never get.that.....not upset, but the way I was talking to them was trying to spark the defense and say hey this is not us, the guy who is on the mound is doing a really great job. so we need to get better. I was talking more with the outfielders because I would say that’s kinda like my area , you know I have to take care of my guys too. It’s not like I don’t care about everyone, ...but I have to be focused on my outfielders and keep everyone locked in.

David said it wasn’t venting frustration, he just felt it was the right time to say something, but made sure he did not disrespect anyone. He said he did not single out any one player, but did acknowledge that he said when the play is there to be made you have to go get it. (Josh Reddick didn’t call Josh VanMeter off a popup on the play that happened in the previous half inning and the ball dropped). But Peralta refused to call out any one player.

David Peralta aufio [or link]

Torey Lovullo notes

Ketel Marte is out of the lineup today but is available off the bench. He ran the bases today aggressively and took BP. He’s just getting another day to work through anything he may be feeling.

Brett de Geus was claimed off waivers from the Texas Rangers and will probably be added to the big league roster shortly. (Currently team website shows him as being on the 40 man but in the minors)

Matt Peacock has not been slotted into the rotation as yet. Caleb Smith will most likely get the first start in St. Louis. So if Peacock doesn’t work out of the pen the next few days look for him to possibly start game 2 vs. St. Louis next week.

It was Torey and bench coach Pipe’s idea to have the team wear Suns jerseys in support of their playoff run.

J.B. Bukauskas threw a bullpen yesterday and looked good and will probably head out on a rehab assignment shortly.

Facing Chris Paddack today: I asked Torey if they’ve seen anything different on film with Paddack compared to when they faced him earlier in the season. After the obligatory game plan comment he said: “He’s got good stuff, he’s got the fastball up, he’s got fastballs driven all over the zone, he’s got a change-up and couple of sequences that he really relies on. Hopefully we can hone in on that. It’s about counter punching and knowing where he’s going with certain pitches at certain times, and we just need to be prepared and I think we will be.” Sounds like they think they found something in his pitch sequencing. It will be interesting to see how they attack the fastball and if they can lay off the change.

Torey Lovullo audio [or link]