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Diamondbacks starter Robbie Ray speaks with the media following his team’s 11-1 win over the Brewers on Sunday. Richard Morin/azcentral sports
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Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt speaks with reporters after a 11-1 win over the Brewers on Sunday.
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Diamondbacks starter Zack Godley discusses his performance in Arizona’s 3-2 win on Saturday at Chase Field. Scott Bordow/azcentral sports
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Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo discusses his team’s win over the Brewers on Saturday at home. Scott Bordow/azcentral sports
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Diamondbacks starter Randall Delgado reacts to Friday’s loss to the Brewers.
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Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo discusses Friday’s 8-6 loss to the Brewers
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Diamondbacks catcher Chris Iannetta, batting in the No. 2 hole for the first time this season, homered and doubled twice, driving in seven runs in a win over the Padres, June 8, 2017. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Diamondbacks left-hander Patrick Corbin ran into more first-inning issues, but he pitched more effectively overall on Thursday than he had in recent starts, June 8, 2017. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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D-Backs’ Chris Owings talks about the club’s success at hitting with two outs and his decision to change his at-bat music on Thursday, June 8, 2017. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Video highlights of the Diamondbacks’ 15-3 win over the Padres on Thursday at Chase Field.
Wochit
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Diamondbacks pitcher Zack Greinke speaks with the media after earning a win in a 7-4 victory over the Padres on Wednesday at Chase Field. Richard Morin/azcentral sports
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Diamondbacks third baseman Jake Lamb speaks with the media following a 7-4 win against the Padres on Wednesday at Chase Field. Richard Morin/azcentral sports
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Zack Greinke only lasted five innings, but Jake Lamb carried the Diamondbacks to their eighth straight home win on Wednesday at Chase Field.
Wochit
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azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley dish on the Diamondbacks and NBA finals in our Shot Clock video.
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MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred backs the Diamondbacks in the team’s arguments with Maricopa County. David Kadlubowski/azcentral.com
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Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about Edinson Volquez’s no-hitter and his team’s struggles on the road.
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The Diamondbacks’ Chris Herrmann talks about Edinson Volquez’s outing and his team’s struggles on the road.
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Diamondbacks outfielder Rey Fuentes talks about his team’s struggles against Edinson Volquez.
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Diamondbacks lefty Patrick Corbin said he thought he pitched better than the results showed on Friday night in Miami.
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Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about Patrick Corbin’s outing and his team’s ability to fight back from an early deficit.
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Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about his team’s come-from-behind win over the Marlins on Thursday night in Miami.
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Diamondbacks outfielder David Peralta said he was glad Chris Owings came through with an RBI hit because Peralta didn’t want to play another inning. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Chris Owings, who drove in the winning run, talks about the importance of Wednesday’s victory in Pittsburgh.
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Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about his team’s ability to overcome obstacles on Wednesday in Pittsburgh. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Diamondbacks pitcher Robbie Ray was mobbed by his teammates in the clubhouse after throwing the first shutout of his career on Tuesday in Pittsburgh. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about Robbie Ray’s outing on Tuesday night against the Pirates. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Diamondbacks catcher Chris Herrmann said Robbie Ray missed his glove only a couple of times on Tuesday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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azcentral sports’ JJ Hensley and Mark Faller discuss the Diamondbacks losing over the weekend and the Penguins’ win over the Predators.
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Chris Iannetta talks about his two-run, game-tying homer on Monday evening at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, May 29, 2017. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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D-Backs manager Torey Lovullo talks about the emotional swings in the Diamondbacks 4-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, May 29, 2017. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Diamondbacks reliever Archie Bradley talks about the home run Andrew McCutchen hit off him to give the Pirates a walkoff on Monday, May 29, 2017. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo discusses Patrick Corbin’s struggles and his team’s loss to the Brewers on Sunday at Miller Park. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Diamondbacks lefty Patrick Corbin was roughed up by the Brewers on Sunday in Milwaukee, giving up seven runs, including four on a grand slam by Domingo Santana. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Diamondbacks right-hander Zack Greinke talks about the pitch that Jett Bandy hit for a bases-clearing double in Saturday’s loss to the Brewers. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo breaks down Zack Greinke’s outing vs. the Brewers and Chase Anderson’s near no-hitter on Saturday. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Diamondbacks slugger Paul Goldschmidt talks about the performance of ex-teammate Chase Anderson, who flirted with a no-hitter against his former team on Saturday. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about his team’s late rally to beat the Brewers 4-2 in Milwaukee on Friday night.
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Chris Iannetta talks about the ninth-inning home run he hit on Friday night in Milwaukee.
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azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley discuss the key for the Diamondbacks’ long-term success this season and weigh in on the LeBron vs. Jordan debate.
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Lefty Robbie Ray lowered his road ERA to 0.81 with seven scoreless innings vs. the Brewers on Thursday night.
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Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about left-hander Robbie Ray’s outing in his team’s 4-0 win over the Brewers on Thursday night.
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Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo discusses his club’s 8-6 win over the White Sox to complete a home sweep on Wednesday. Scott Bordow/azcentral sports
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Diamondbacks third baseman Jake Lamb discusses homering off left-hander Jose Quintana despite his lefty struggles and the Diamondbacks’ strong start to the season after Wednesday’s win. Bob McManaman/azcentral sports
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Diamondbacks catcher Chris Herrmann on recent hitting surge and his home run in Arizona’s 5-4 win on Tuesday at Chase Field. Doug Haller/azcentral sports
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Pitcher Archie Bradley was one of three Arizona Diamondbacks who participated in a cow-milking competition on May 23, 2017 at Chase Field.
The contest was to promote Shamrock Farms Grand Slam Milk Drive program.
Rob Schumacher/azcentral.com
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Diamondbacks right-hander Shelby Miller discusses his Tommy John surgery and his impending rehab before Tuesday’s game at Chase Field. Doug Haller/azcentral sports
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azcentral sports’ Mark Faller and Dan Bickley weigh in on the Diamondbacks, LeBron James and NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
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Diamondbacks starter Zack Greinke on his near-complete game and use of an Eephus pitch during Monday’s dominant outing against the White Sox. Scott Bordow/azcentral sports
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Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about Zack Greinke’s strong performance and the club’s offense. Scott Bordow/azcentral sports
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azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and E.J. Montini discuss the Diamondbacks and their special summer ticket deal.
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Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about Padres lefty Clayton Richard’s performance and the home run by Chris Iannetta on Sunday. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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The Diamondbacks’ Chris Iannetta returned from the disabled list on Sunday and slammed a home run on the first pitch he saw. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Diamondbacks right-hander Zack Godley threw seven innings and allowed three runs, all of them scoring in the fifth in a loss to the Padres on Sunday. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo on his team’s easy win over the San Diego Padres on Saturday night. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about his team’s eight-run first inning and right-hander Taijuan Walker’s sharp outing vs. the Padres. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Diamondbacks right-hander Taijuan Walker gave up just two hits in six scoreless innings, but he wasn’t satisfied with the way he threw on Friday night in a win over the Padres. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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The Diamondbacks’ Brandon Drury talks about his team’s offensive outburst vs. the Padres on Friday night at Petco Park. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley discuss the NBA MVP, the Diamondbacks and the Dodgers and the Arizona Cardinals’ defensive backs.
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D-Backs manager Torey Lovullo, catcher Chris Herrmann and left-hander Patrick Corbin react to the 5-4 win against the Mets, sweeping the series, May 17, 2017.
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Manager Torey Lovullo, right-hander Zack Greinke and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt react to Tuesday’s 5-4 Diamondbacks win. Sarah McLellan/azcentral sports
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D-Backs’ Zack Godley talks pitching and gameplay after his team’s 7-3 win over the Mets, May 15, 2017.
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D-Backs’ Torey Lovullo discusses the pace his team kept during a 7-3 win over the Mets, May 15, 2017.
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Diamondbacks center fielder A.J. Pollock talks about the injury that forced him to leave Sunday’s loss to the Pirates. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Diamondbacks outfielder David Peralta doesn’t think his glute injury is significant, he said. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo breaks down his team’s 6-4 loss to the Pirates on Sunday and provides updates on his injured outfielders. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Diamondbacks catcher Chris Iannetta says he ‘got lucky on all accounts’ after being hit in the face by a 93 mph fastball on Friday night vs. the Pirates. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Manager Torey Lovullo, right-hander Taijuan Walker and shortstop Nick Ahmed react to the 4-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, May 13, 2017.
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Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo provides an update on catcher Chris Iannetta, who was hit in the face by a pitch during Friday’s game, before Saturday’s game. Bob McManaman/azcentral sports
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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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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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Diamondbacks pitcher Zack Greinke describes his night, in which he nearly threw a no-hitter against the Pirates.
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Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo reacts to Zack Greinke’s near-no-hit performance in Thursday’s win over the Pirates.
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Manager Torey Lovullo, right-hander Zack Godley and shortstop Nick Ahmed react to the 7-1 win.
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Manager Torey Lovullo and left-hander Robbie Ray react to the 7-3 loss.
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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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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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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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Diamondbacks lefty Patrick Corbin was charged with eight runs in four-plus innings against the Rockies on Saturday night.
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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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Diamondbacks right-hander Zack Greinke gave up two runs in seven innings in a win over the Rockies on Friday.
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Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo breaks down his team’s win over the Rockies on Friday night.
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Robbie Ray on D-Backs’ win over Brewers
Paul Goldschmidt on grand slam, offensive outburst
Godley on taking advantage of opportunity after D-Backs win
Torey Lovullo after D-Backs’ win over Brewers
Randall Delgado on his rough outing against Brewers
Lovullo on Diamondbacks’ loss to Brewers
Chris Iannetta on his career-high 7 RBIs vs. Padres
Patrick Corbin on his effectiveness vs. Padres
Chris Owings on Diamondbacks’ offensive production with two outs
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. San Diego Padres — June 8, 2017
Greinke on his ‘all right’ outing in D-Backs’ win
Lamb on big performance in D-Backs’ win
D-Backs beat Padres for another home win
Shot Clock: D-Backs train rolling; Durant new No. 1?
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred on rift between D-Backs, Maricopa County
D-Backs manager Torey Lovullo on no-hitter, road struggles
Chris Herrmann on Edinson Volquez’s performance in no-hitter
D-Backs’ Rey Fuentes on Edinson Volquez’s pitch mix in no-hitter
Patrick Corbin after loss to Marlins
Torey Lovullo on Patrick Corbin’s outing vs. Marlins
Torey Lovullo on Nick Ahmed, comeback win over Marlins
David Peralta talks about Chris Owings’ ‘clutch’ hit vs. Pirates
Chris Owings on D-Backs’ extra-inning win in Pittsburgh
Torey Lovullo on ‘character win’ in Pittsburgh
Robbie Ray on postgame celebration after shutout vs. Pirates
Torey Lovullo on Robbie Ray’s shutout of Pirates
Chris Herrmann on Robbie Ray’s ‘outstanding’ outing vs. Pirates
Shot Clock: Winless weekend with D-Backs
Diamondbacks’ Chris Iannetta on his latest clutch homer
Torey Lovullo on Diamondbacks’ loss to the Pirates
Archie Bradley after walkoff loss to Pirates
Torey Lovullo on Patrick Corbin’s outing, loss to Brewers
Patrick Corbin on his outing vs. Brewers
Zack Greinke on his outing in loss to Brewers
Torey Lovullo on loss to Brewers, Chase Anderson
Paul Goldschmidt talks about Chase Anderson’s outing
Torey Lovullo on D-Backs’ comeback win in MIlwaukee
Chris Iannetta on his game-tying homer vs. Brewers
Can D-Backs keep this up? Why, why not
Robbie Ray after dominant outing in Milwaukee
D-Backs’ Torey Lovullo on impressive win over Brewers
Torey Lovullo on ‘nice team win’ for D-Backs
Jake Lamb on strong game against lefty Jose Quintana
Chris Herrmann on hitting surge, HR in win
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Archie Bradley competes in cow milking competition
Shelby Miller: Tommy John surgery ‘was a pretty smooth process’
Shot Clock: Time to take D-Backs seriously
Zack Greinke on near-complete game, Eephus pitch
Torey Lovullo on Zack Greinke’s ‘great night’
Montini volunteers free tickets – with Bickley’s help
D-Backs manager Torey Lovullo on loss vs. Padres
Chris Iannetta on homering in first game off DL
Zack Godley on his outing vs. Padres
Torey Lovullo after D-Backs pound Padres 9-1
Torey Lovullo on D-Backs’ blowout win vs. Padres
Taijuan Walker tosses six scoreless vs. Padres
Brandon Drury homers in win vs. Padres
Watch out for Dodgers; Cards CBs apply for job
Diamondbacks outlast Mets in extra innings
Diamondbacks discuss close win over Mets
Diamondbacks’ Zack Godley talks after win over Mets
Diamondbacks’ Torey Lovullo talks upbeat pace in win over Mets
A.J. Pollock discusses his injury after loss to Pirates
David Peralta downplays his injury vs. Pirates
Torey Lovullo on injuries, loss vs. Pirates
Chris Iannetta talks about scary HBP vs. Pirates
Diamondbacks rally falls short against Pirates
Lovullo: Iannetta “said he could play tonight if he had to” after HBP
Diamondbacks overwhelm Pirates 11-4
Kaepernick blackballed? Greinke now trade bait?
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
Pavin Smith was regarded as one of the best pure college hitters in this year’s draft class, a first baseman who not only walked more than he struck out – he homered more, as well.
Smith, whom the Diamondbacks selected with the seventh overall pick on the first night of baseball’s amateur draft, says the reason behind this is simple.
“I hate striking out with a passion,” Smith said on a conference call with reporters. “ … I think hating striking out is one of the things that drives me to not strike out.”
Smith put together an impressive collegiate career at the plate, capping it with a standout junior season in which he hit .342 with a .427 on-base and .570 slugging, connecting for 13 homers – with only 12 strikeouts – in 228 at-bats.
D-BACKS DRAFT DAY: Diamondbacks target college hitters in first day of MLB draft
The overall skill-set of being able to hit, hit for power and control the strike zone was enough to win over the Diamondbacks, who were “ecstatic” he got past the first six picks, scouting director Deric Ladnier said.
Ladnier said Smith has a “tremendous knack” for finding the barrel of the bat, and he called his pitch recognition and strike zone awareness “elite.” Smith even managed to increase his power production from previous years without making sacrifices in other areas.
“That was one of the things he tried to focus on was to create more power in his swing,” Ladnier said. “The thing about it is, most of the times when guys do that, the strikeouts go up. And as you can well see, they didn’t go up. …
“He just tries to do damage. He’s not necessarily trying to go up there and hit home runs. But he’s aware that he does have power and he does feel like, as he grows as a hitter, and this is verbatim by him, he knows that the power will continue to improve.”
RELATED: Chaparral 3B Jacob Gonzalez expects to sign after being drafted 58th overall by Giants
Smith was one of a handful of players linked to the Diamondbacks in reports leading up to the draft, but he said he had no idea whether they were actually going to take him. And he even spent time on a conference call with club officials on Sunday night.
“They were trying to get to know me, really, and see my character,” he said, adding that they gave “zero hints” that they might actually select him.
It wasn’t until five minutes before the pick was announced that he found out. One pick later, his teammate at Virginia, outfielder Adam Haseley, was selected eighth overall by the Philadelphia Phillies.
Surrounded by family, friends, neighbors and former coaches, Smith said he asked everyone in the room to quiet down after his selection so they could see where Haseley was going.
“We hit back-to-back in the order, go back-to-back in the draft,” Smith said. “It’s an awesome feeling.”
MORE: Diamondbacks third baseman Jake Lamb’s life changed by friend’s death
The baseball draft is unlike those in other sports in that players rarely make an impact right away, meaning the fact that Smith plays the same position as franchise icon Paul Goldschmidt is a moot point for the time being – and likely will remain so for several years.
Still, Smith says he’s capable of playing other positions, and believes that versatility played a part in his being selected. Still, Ladnier said the Diamondbacks intend to develop him as a first baseman.
“I think Paul Goldschmidt is obviously one of the best hitters in the MLB,” Smith said. “I don’t think he’s moving anytime soon. So (I will) definitely get some work in in the outfield. I’m pretty comfortable out there and I think that’s definitely one the reasons I was selected by them; they saw that I could do well out there.”
Smith said he played about half the time in the outfield his freshman year and played left field once a week this season.
Either way, his bat will have to get him to the majors, and there are many who believe it will. Some scouts viewed him as the draft’s best hitter, a hitter with a pretty swing and good strike zone awareness.
As for the lack of swing-and-miss, Smith said, “I think just maturing as a baseball player, maximizing my development and being able to realize what the pitcher is trying to do to you with two strikes or maybe getting out of there early before you even get to two strikes.”
RELATED: All-Star vote: Goldschmidt moves up, Jake Lamb, Chris Owings rank fifth
Smith figures to provide an immediate boost to the Diamondbacks’ farm system. The club did not have a first-round pick last year, forfeiting it to sign right-hander Zack Greinke.
The Diamondbacks made two other selections on the first night of the draft, remaining in the college hitter ranks with both. At No. 44 overall, they took Louisville’s Drew Ellis, a power-hitting third baseman, and at No. 68, they took Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Daulton Varsho.
Ellis posted impressive offensive numbers this season as a redshirt sophomore, hitting .367/.457/.729 with 20 homers, 38 walks and 38 strikeouts. Ladnier said the club sees in Ellis a hitter with power who uses the whole field and possesses a “very easy, professional stroke.”
The Diamondbacks also believe Ellis will be a solid defender at third; Ladnier described him as having good first-step quickness, sure hands and a strong arm.
Varsho, the son of former big leaguer Gary Varsho, is a left-handed hitter whose bat is ahead of his glove but whom the club believes has a chance to develop into a major league catcher. If not, he could shift to left field or perhaps even second base, Ladnier said, though it’s Varsho’s bat that stood out. He hit .362/.490/.643 with 11 homers for UW-Milwaukee.
“His swing, it’s very short, compact, powerful,” Ladnier said. “And he’s another guy who uses the entire field.”
Reach Piecoro at (602) 444-8680 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @nickpiecoro.
Tuesday’s game
When: 4:10 p.m.
Where: Comerica Park, Detroit.
Pitchers: Diamondbacks RHP Zack Greinke (8-3, 3.20) vs. Tigers RHP Buck Farmer (2-0, 0.00).
TV/Radio: FSAZ/KMVP-FM (98.7), KHOV-FM (105.1)
Greinke is coming off an outing in which he gave up three earned runs in five innings against San Diego. It tied for his shortest outing of the season. He has won seven of his last eight starts and historically has had success against Detroit, with a 13-7 record and a 2.79 ERA. … Farmer is making his third start of the season and has a 13-inning scoreless streak, tied for the longest in the American League. He’s struck out 16 batters in his two previous starts.
Coming up
Wednesday: At Detroit, 4:10 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Taijuan Walker (4-3, 3.46) vs. Tigers RHP Michael Fulmer (6-4, 3.40).
Thursday: Off
Friday: At Philadelphia, 4:05 p.m., Diamondbacks TBD vs. Phillies RHP Aaron Nola (3-4, 4.40).
Up next
Detroit Tigers
Tigers update: The Tigers are 30-32 and 3 ½ games behind the Minnesota Twins in the American League Central. Detroit’s pitching has been a disaster; its team ERA of 4.74 ranks 14th in the AL and its opponents’ batting average is .271. The bullpen has been a real sticking point with an ERA of 5.14. Detroit still has a capable offense with Miguel Cabrera, J.D. Martinez and Justin Upton but the team is getting told and there’s a lot of talk that the Tigers might be big sellers before the July 31 trading deadline.
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