Diamondbacks’ Anthony DeSclafani on his outing vs. Padres
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Anthony DeSclafani scattered three hits over 4.1 innings but got a no-decision against the Padres.
Infielder Jordan Lawlar began playing in minor league complex games this week, a significant step as he works his way back from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him since June.
But while Lawlar is viewed as a key player for the Diamondbacks down the stretch, it does not sound like the club will be rushing him back to the majors as soon as he is healthy.
“I want him to get some sort of a foundation, for sure,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Friday, Aug. 8.
He added: “I think that’s probably the best thing for him – get some at-bats and start playing baseball the way that we know he can. I know he had a great first month. That’s what we’re looking for.”
The Diamondbacks view Lawlar as a big part of their future – and general manager Mike Hazen mentioned him as a player who figures to pick up significant at-bats following the deadline deal that sent third baseman Eugenio Suarez to the Seattle Mariners.
But Lawlar has had two brief stints in the majors in his career and struggled in both of them. That has led to some belief that he might benefit from being locked in at the plate in the minors before coming back this time.
“I think get some footing with strength and the familiarity of playing every day and get into a rhythm of going to the ballpark,” Lovullo said. “And then get into the grind and putting your mind in the right place.
“Not just him, it’s everybody. Everybody needs to be in the grind. When you haven’t been playing live, active baseball, it’s always hard to go from zero to 60.”
In a two-week stay in the majors in May, Lawlar went 0 for 19 with three walks and nine strikeouts. He started back-to-back games in that span only once. He got his first call-up to the majors down the stretch in 2023 and did not fare much better, going just 4 for 32 (.125) with no extra-base hits, three walks and 11 strikeouts.
Lovullo said Lawlar played in a continuation camp game on Thursday, Aug. 7, and got more at-bats the following day. He was said to have hit a couple of balls hard in the Aug. 7 game, driving both to the warning track for fly outs.
—Nick Piecoro
Injury updates, decision coming at catcher
There is some clarity on when catcher Gabriel Moreno could be back with the Diamondbacks.
Moreno got three at-bats in a live hitting session on Friday, Aug. 8, and ran the bases, Lovullo said. Moreno can come off the 60-day injured list next week, but his return will probably come sometime after that.
“He’s going to catch more bullpens, take some more at-bats, build up that hand strength, arm strength,” Lovullo said. “I’m looking for him to probably play games in Reno or somewhere midweek next week. …
“All things considered, with where he’s at right now, it’s probably going be a little bit in back of that 60-day marker (Aug. 15).”
The Diamondbacks are carrying three catchers on the active roster without Moreno. So there are decisions to make at backup catcher, where Jose Herrera, James McCann and Adrian Del Castillo are all in the mix.
McCann was in the lineup on Friday, Aug. 8.
“Whatever decision is going to be made, it’s going to be a tough one,” Lovullo said. “But we want Gaby back on this team, we need him back on this team catching for us and doing what he does best.”
RHP Kevin Ginkel’s second opinion on his sprained right shoulder led to a recovery timeline that includes six weeks without throwing, which would still give him a chance to pitch again before the regular season ends.
RHP Cristian Mena threw out to 90 feet Aug. 8, and after seven at-bats the past two days, first baseman Pavin Smith and infielder Ildemaro Vargas will head to Triple-A Reno on Tuesday, Aug. 12, for rehab games.
Vargas got seven at-bats the past two days as DH and also ran the bases. He is on the 10-day injured list with Smith.
Right-handed reliever Ryan Thompson (15-day IL, strained scapular) threw 15 pitches in a bullpen session Aug. 8.
-Jose M. Romero
Rockies at Diamondbacks, 6:40 p.m., Cox, Ch. 34, KPNX, Ch. 12
Diamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen (8-12, 5.48) vs. Rockies LHP Austin Gomber (0-5, 6.18).
At Chase Field: Gallen gave up two runs in six innings against the Athletics Aug. 2 in Sacramento, mostly working around nine hits without issuing a walk. … That was Gallen’s first start after the club decided not to deal him at the trade deadline; he is expected to receive a qualifying offer at the end of the year, meaning the final two months could be instructive as to whether he would consider accepting it. … The Rockies have hit Gallen hard twice this season, scoring 13 runs off him in 10 innings with six home runs. … Gomber has made nine starts this season for the Rockies, striking out only 27 in 43 2/3 innings. … The Diamondbacks pounded him for nine runs in 4 2/3 innings on June 20 at Chase Field. … Gomber mostly uses a four-pitch mix: a fastball that averages 89.4 mph along with a curve, slider and change-up.
Coming up
Saturday, Aug. 9: At Chase Field, 5:10 p.m., Diamondbacks LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (4-7, 5.53) vs. Rockies RHP Bradley Blalock (1-3, 7.68).
Sunday, Aug. 10: At Chase Field, 1:10 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Brandon Pfaadt (11-7, 5.02) vs. Rockies TBA.
Monday, Aug. 11: At Texas, 5:05 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Ryne Nelson (6-3, 3.20) vs. Rangers RHP Nathan Eovaldi (10-3, 1.38).
On pace for 119 losses, the Rockies made three moves ahead of the trade deadline, shipping off 3B Ryan McMahon and RHP Jake Bird in deals with the Yankees and sending RHP Tyler Kinley to the Braves. C Hunter Goodman has been their biggest bright spot this season, hitting .281/.328/.531 with 22 homers. RF Mickey Moniak, whom they signed just before the season after he was cut loose by the Angels, also has swung the bat well, posting a .267/.312/.527 line with 17 homers. Unfortunately, not many others in the lineup are enjoying strong seasons, though the Rockies have averaged 4.9 runs per game since the All-Star break. Rockies starters have a 6.46 ERA, last in the majors; the next-worst team is the Nationals at 5.01. The Rockies’ bullpen has been a little better but still ranks second-worst in the majors with a 5.53 ERA.