D-backs weighing potential changes to rotation
PHOENIX -- The D-backs made some roster moves on Sunday, but whether they make a change in their rotation is still yet to be determined.
One day after Zack Godley lasted just 2 2/3 innings, the D-backs designated long man Matt Koch for assignment and recalled right-hander Jon Duplantier from Triple-A Reno, but his stay was brief.
Duplantier, ranked by MLB Pipeline as the team¡¯s top pitching prospect and No. 2 D-backs prospect overall, made his second career appearance on Sunday and held the Cubs scoreless on one hit and two walks while pitching the 10th through 13th in the D-backs' 6-5 loss in 15 innings. He was optioned back to Reno after the game. The club will make a corresponding move before Tuesday's series opener vs. the Yankees at Chase Field.
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As for what happens with Godley¡¯s spot in the rotation, D-backs manager Torey Lovullo was noncommittal.
¡°I have some decisions to make,¡± Lovullo said. ¡°I have some tough decisions to make. Right now, today, I don¡¯t know that answer. I¡¯m on an information search. That¡¯s how I operate. I poll people around me. I poll everyone that I possibly can around me to make the best decision possible moving forward. I want to be fair to certain decisions that will be made, and I want to make them promptly so we can make some adjustments.¡±
With two off-days coming up this week, the D-backs could skip Godley¡¯s turn in the rotation and allow him some extra time to work through whatever issues have caused him to struggle in four of his six starts this year. Or the D-backs could shift Godley to the bullpen and replace him with someone like Reno starter Taylor Clarke.
It does not appear that long reliever Matt Andriese would be a candidate.
¡°He hasn¡¯t really entered the equation for me because he¡¯s been throwing the ball exceptionally well out of the bullpen and I don¡¯t want to disrupt that,¡± Lovullo said. ¡°At this point in time, we¡¯re going to keep him where he¡¯s at and let him continue helping us win games in that area.¡±
The D-backs will also have to decide how to make room on the roster for left-handed reliever T.J. McFarland, who is nearing a return from shoulder inflammation.
¡°We are going to have to make some difficult decisions with guys getting healthy,¡± Lovullo said.