Diamondbacks’ Jeff Mathis securing key outs with arm
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBDiamondbacks overwhelm Pirates 11-4 | 1:13
Manager Torey Lovullo, second baseman Brandon Drury and left-hander Patrick Corbin react to 11-4 win against the Pirates, May 12, 2017.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBKaepernick blackballed? Greinke now trade bait? | 1:59
Shot Clock: Colin Kaepernick is better than Blaine Gabbert, right? So why did the Cardinals not sign him? Also, Zack Greinke has his Randy Johnson moment … what does it mean for Diamondbacks?
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBZack Greinke on his near no-hitter against Pirates | 2:17
Diamondbacks pitcher Zack Greinke describes his night, in which he nearly threw a no-hitter against the Pirates.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBLovullo reacts to Greinke’s near no-hitter in win | 1:56
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo reacts to Zack Greinke’s near-no-hit performance in Thursday’s win over the Pirates.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBDiamondbacks snap losing streak with win over Tigers | 0:56
Manager Torey Lovullo, right-hander Zack Godley and shortstop Nick Ahmed react to the 7-1 win.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBDiamondbacks drop third straight with loss to Tigers | 0:46
Manager Torey Lovullo and left-hander Robbie Ray react to the 7-3 loss.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBShot Clock: D-Backs face pivotal homestand | 1:54
azcentral sports’ Sarah McLellan and Dan Bickley discuss the D-Backs’ difficulties on the road and the NBA’s big issue in the playoffs.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTorey Lovullo after D-Backs’ latest loss to Rockies | 1:04
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo says defensive miscues cost them in a 5-2 loss to the Rockies on Sunday. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTaijuan Walker after loss to Rockies | 0:59
Diamondbacks right-hander Taijuan Walker talks about his outing vs. the Rockies at Coors Field on Sunday. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBPatrick Corbin after being roughed up by Rockies | 1:23
Diamondbacks lefty Patrick Corbin was charged with eight runs in four-plus innings against the Rockies on Saturday night.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBD-Backs’ Torey Lovullo on ‘tough night’ at Coors Field | 1:21
Manager Torey Lovullo didn’t think his team played fundamentally sound in Saturday night’s 9-1 loss to the Colorado Rockies.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBZack Greinke on impressive outing vs. Rockies | 1:43
Diamondbacks right-hander Zack Greinke gave up two runs in seven innings in a win over the Rockies on Friday.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBManager Torey Lovullo after win over Rockies | 2:07
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo breaks down his team’s win over the Rockies on Friday night.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBManager Torey Lovullo after D-Backs lose series vs. Nationals | 2:08
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo on Braden Shipley’s outing and his offense’s struggles vs. Nationals right-hander Max Scherzer. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBBraden Shipley after walking six in loss to Nationals | 1:37
Diamondbacks right-hander Braden Shipley gave up three runs in four-plus innings against the Nationals on Thursday afternoon. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBD-Backs’ Torey Lovullo after loss to Nationals | 1:18
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about his team’s inability to come up with a hit in a key situation on Wednesday night, May 3, 2017. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBDiamondbacks’ Robbie Ray strikes out 10 in loss to Nationals | 0:53
Diamondbacks lefty Robbie Ray had everything working but still came away with a loss on Wednesday night in D.C., May 3, 2017. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTorey Lovullo on D-Backs’ 6-3 win over Nationals | 1:46
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said his pitching staff did well to hold the Nationals to three runs on Tuesday night.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTaijuan Walker on his short start vs. Nationals | 1:39
Taijuan Walker didn’t blame a small strike zone for his abbreviated, 4 2/3-inning outing on Tuesday night.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBShot Clock: Rockets sizzle, D-Backs fizzle? | 1:49
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley discuss the Rockets’ explosion against the Spurs and a possible pitching implosion for the Diamondbacks.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBA.J. Pollock on controversial play: “You guys saw the replay” | 1:41
Diamondbacks outfielder A.J. Pollock speaks about the controversial call that went against him in the 10th inning of Arizona’s win over the Rockies on Sunday. Bob McManaman/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBDescalso talks about walk-off home run over Rockies | 1:09
Diamondbacks’ Daniel Descalso talks about his two-run, walk-off homer to beat the Rockies in the 13th inning on Sunday. Bob McManaman/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBLovullo on pitching, more in D-Backs’ wild win | 1:45
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo discusses the team’s strong pitching fueling Arizona’s walk-off win over the Rockies on Sunday. Bob McManaman/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBCorbin discusses his scoreless outing vs. Rockies | 1:36
Diamondbacks starter Patrick Corbin talks about his strong, scoreless outing against the Rockies in Sunday’s win. Bob McManaman/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBFernando Rodney talks about his latest blown save | 1:29
Diamondbacks closer Fernando Rodney talks about his outing vs. the Rockies, and says he’ll have no trouble bouncing back from his latest setback. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBZack Greinke after outing vs. Rockies | 1:22
Diamondbacks right-hander Zack Greinke talks about his start on Saturday night, in which he allowed three earned runs in six-plus innings vs. the Rockies. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBD-Backs’ Shelby Miller to have Tommy John surgery | 1:33
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Shelby Miller explains his decision to undergo Tommy John surgery, April 29, 2017. (Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports)
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBDiamondbacks fall 3-1 to Rockies | 0:58
Manager Torey Lovullo, left-hander Robbie Ray and catcher Chris Iannetta react to the loss.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBChris Owings on his two-homer night | 0:49
Chris Owings talks about the first multi-homer game of his career, and how he’s feeling at the plate after homering three times in the past four games.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBD-Backs’ Taijuan Walker on his 11-strikeout performance vs. Padres | 1:15
Diamondbacks right-hander Taijuan Walker says his fastball was working well for him on Thursday night.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBD-Backs’ Shelby Miller considering Tommy John surgery | 1:06
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Shelby Miller says he has a tear in his ulnar collateral ligament and that Tommy John surgery is an option, April 27, 2017. (Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports)
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBFernando Rodney reacts to his blown save against the Padres | 1:06
Diamondbacks closer Fernando Rodney on Wednesday’s blown save against San Diego.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTorey Lovullo reacts to Diamondbacks’ ‘heartbreaking’ loss | 1:30
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo reacts to the Padres’ comeback win.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBDiamondbacks attendance hits new low | 0:41
Wednesday night’s game against the Padres drew the smallest crowd in Diamondbacks history.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBDiamondbacks pull away from Padres for 9-3 win | 1:16
Manager Torey Lovullo, first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and left-hander Patrick Corbin react to Tuesday’s win. Sarah McLellan/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBDiamondbacks hold on for win over Padres | 1:38
Manager Torey Lovullo, right-hander Zack Greinke and shortstop Chris Owings react to Monday’s home win over the Padres. Sarah McLellan/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBShelby Miller on his injury, visit with team doctor | 1:31
Diamondbacks right-hander Shelby Miller did not provide many details on his elbow injury on Monday, but he is planning to receive a second opinion on Tuesday in Los Angeles. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBArizona Diamondbacks’ Shelby Miller discusses arm injury | 1:16
D-Backs’ Shelby Miller talks about arm injury suffered during the 6-2 loss to the Dodgers, April 23, 2017. (Scott Bordow/azcentral sports)
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBDavid Peralta on his record-setting night | 1:27
David Peralta talks about the Diamondbacks’ offense and his record-setting four doubles Saturday.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBRobbie Ray reacts to Saturday’s win over the Dodgers | 0:41
Diamondbacks starter Robbie Ray talks after his team’s 11-5 victory over the Dodgers.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBDiamondbacks use 9-run eighth to overwhelm Dodgers | 1:18
Manager Torey Lovullo, right-hander Taijuan Walker, shortstop Chris Owings and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt react to the 13-5 win.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBPaul Goldschmidt on D-Backs’ offense vs. Padres | 1:54
First baseman Paul Goldschmidt says the Diamondbacks couldn’t string together enough hits against the Padres on Thursday night.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBManager Torey Lovullo breaks down D-Backs’ loss, road trip | 1:57
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about his team’s 4-1 loss to the Padres and their 4-6 road trip through San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego.
Zack Greinke on his near no-hitter against Pirates
Lovullo reacts to Greinke’s near no-hitter in win
Diamondbacks snap losing streak with win over Tigers
Diamondbacks drop third straight with loss to Tigers
Shot Clock: D-Backs face pivotal homestand
Torey Lovullo after D-Backs’ latest loss to Rockies
Taijuan Walker after loss to Rockies
Patrick Corbin after being roughed up by Rockies
D-Backs’ Torey Lovullo on ‘tough night’ at Coors Field
Zack Greinke on impressive outing vs. Rockies
Manager Torey Lovullo after win over Rockies
Manager Torey Lovullo after D-Backs lose series vs. Nationals
Braden Shipley after walking six in loss to Nationals
D-Backs’ Torey Lovullo after loss to Nationals
Diamondbacks’ Robbie Ray strikes out 10 in loss to Nationals
Torey Lovullo on D-Backs’ 6-3 win over Nationals
Taijuan Walker on his short start vs. Nationals
Shot Clock: Rockets sizzle, D-Backs fizzle?
A.J. Pollock on controversial play: “You guys saw the replay”
Descalso talks about walk-off home run over Rockies
Lovullo on pitching, more in D-Backs’ wild win
Corbin discusses his scoreless outing vs. Rockies
Fernando Rodney talks about his latest blown save
Zack Greinke after outing vs. Rockies
D-Backs’ Shelby Miller to have Tommy John surgery
Diamondbacks fall 3-1 to Rockies
Chris Owings on his two-homer night
D-Backs’ Taijuan Walker on his 11-strikeout performance vs. Padres
D-Backs’ Shelby Miller considering Tommy John surgery
Fernando Rodney reacts to his blown save against the Padres
Torey Lovullo reacts to Diamondbacks’ ‘heartbreaking’ loss
Diamondbacks attendance hits new low
Diamondbacks pull away from Padres for 9-3 win
Diamondbacks hold on for win over Padres
Shelby Miller on his injury, visit with team doctor
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Shelby Miller discusses arm injury
David Peralta on his record-setting night
Robbie Ray reacts to Saturday’s win over the Dodgers
Diamondbacks use 9-run eighth to overwhelm Dodgers
Paul Goldschmidt on D-Backs’ offense vs. Padres
Manager Torey Lovullo breaks down D-Backs’ loss, road trip
When he arrived home Thursday and reflected on what went down earlier in the evening at Chase Field, Diamondbacks catcher Jeff Mathis focused on the score.
Not only did right-hander Zack Greinke’s no-hit bid fizzle in the eighth when the Pirates’ Gregory Polanco launched a home run just inside the right-field foul pole, but Arizona’s lead was also sabotaged – getting cut in half.
“We gotta finish the job,” Mathis said. “We gotta get this ‘W’ for Zack.”
Mathis credited Greinke for getting out of the eighth without giving up any more runs and closer Fernando Rodney for converting the save in the ninth, but Mathis also made a key play – securing the final out by throwing out Josh Harrison at second as Harrison tried to steal into scoring position.
“I want to time that throw down to second,” Greinke told reporters Thursday. “It was one of the best throws I’ve ever seen.”
Harrison was the second Pirates player tracked down by Mathis in the 2-1 win, a defensive proficiency Mathis hasn’t shied away from displaying in his first season with the team.
“I have a lot of pride in my defense and that side of the ball and being able to cut guys down trying to steal, especially in situations like that,” Mathis said.
After Thursday’s showing, Mathis has caught five players stealing. His caught stealing percentage (42) ranked 10th in the majors.
“Anytime you have some success, I think it gives you confidence,” he said.
Mathis does practice his transfers and footwork but doesn’t spend much time throwing from his knees. It’s clear, though, he’s developed a knack for being accurate.
“I know he’s already prepared for those types of moments,” said manager Torey Lovullo, who was on the Blue Jays staff in 2012 when Mathis threw out 20 baserunners for Toronto – which is tied for his career-high. “He practices those types of plays. He improvises. He’s got the foundation to do it perfectly every single time, but he can also make plays like that because he’s very athletic.”
Right-hander Zack Godley will start Monday against the Mets, his third start of the season since right-hander Shelby Miller was sidelined with elbow problems.
“There was a few moving parts,” Lovullo said. “We wanted to look through some different options, and we felt like he was the right guy. He deserved it. He threw the ball extremely well his last start, and we’ll look forward to seeing what he can do Monday.”
In his most recent outing, Godley was solid, giving up just one run off four hits through seven innings in a win over the Tigers Wednesday. Overall, he’s 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA but the team hasn’t tabbed Godley for any future starts beyond Monday.
“I think we’ll see how it goes on Monday,” Lovullo said. “He’s throwing the ball extremely well. We have no reason to believe that anything will go backward.”
Twice as nice
Lovullo rewatched several innings of Greinke’s eight-inning, one-hit performance Thursday.
The takeaway?
“He is locked in is what I took out of that,” Lovullo said. “He’s in a really good spot. It looks like his misses are barely missing their spots. There’s a ton of strike-to-ball pitches that are thrown, and he’s in a really good place right now and he’s carrying that rotation.”
Right-hander Taijuan Walker paid close attention to what Greinke was doing since he faces the Pirates Saturday. Not only can a showing like Greinke’s offer up a blueprint for future starters against a certain opponent, but it also seems to be motivation.
“Definitely you want to match the guy in front of you and just build off each other,” Walker said. “I think that’s how a lot of starting rotations are really successful is they build off each other.”
Short hops
The Diamondbacks reinstated right-hander Jake Barrett from the 10-day disabled list (right shoulder inflammation) Thursday night and optioned him to Triple-A Reno.
Barrett, who was one of the team’s steadiest bullpen arms last season, began the 2017 campaign on the disabled list after developing shoulder problems during spring training.
“He’s going to just continue on his progression,” Lovullo said. “He’s going to get regular work, and he’s going to go out and perform. As I say to everybody who goes down, it’s your turn to go and continue performing, work through the frustration of that, and they make the decisions for us when it’s the right time. Right now, our bullpen has been rock solid. This is a really tough situation for anybody to walk into and crack into. So it’s where people in Triple-A are going to have to step up and wait for their opportunity.
Right-hander Rubby De La Rosa, who was bothered by elbow issues for much of last season, threw one inning Thursday in his first appearance this season with Reno. De La Rosa threw 12 pitches and gave up one run (a home run).
“He threw the ball very well,” said Lovullo, calling De La Rosa’s fastball “extremely aggressive.”
Pitchers: Diamondbacks RHP Taijuan Walker (3-2, 3.83) vs. Pirates RHP Trevor Williams (1-2, 7.98).
TV/Radio: FSAZ/KMVP-FM (98.7), KHOV-FM (105.1).
Walker has allowed three earned runs or fewer in five of his first seven starts this season. He took the loss in his last start, a 5-2 loss at Colorado, despite allowing just one earned run over 5 2/3 innings. Walker has pitched past the sixth inning only once thus far, on April 27 against the Padres when he went eight innings in a 6-2 win. … Williams will be making his eighth appearance, but just his second start of the season for the Pirates. In his first start on Monday at the Dodgers, he allowed six earned runs in the first inning of a 12-1 loss. Acquired from the Marlins in 2015, Williams pitched a season-high four innings against the Cubs on April 24.
Coming up
Sunday: At Chase Field, 1:10 p.m., Diamondbacks LHP Robbie Ray (2-3, 4.14) vs. Pirates RHP Ivan Nova (3-3, 2.23).
Monday: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Zack Godley (1-0, 2.25) v. Mets RHP Zack Wheeler (2-2, 4.18).
Tuesday: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Zack Greinke (4-2, 2.79) vs. Mets LHP Tommy Milone (1-0, 5.88).