Decision to leave Zack Greinke in backfires on Torey Lovullo, Diamondbacks
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBZack Greinke laments his final inning in loss to Dodgers | 1:53
Zack Greinke discusses the mistakes he made in the seventh inning of the Diamondbacks’ loss to the Dodgers on Wednesday. Andrew Vailliencourt/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTorey Lovullo after D-Backs’ loss to Dodgers | 2:33
Manager Torey Lovullo discusses the Diamondbacks’ “tough” loss to the Dodgers on Wednesday at Chase Field. Andrew Vailliencourt/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBArchie Bradley after win: ‘This is our home field’ | 1:30
Diamondbacks reliever Archie Bradley talks about the emotions involved in defending home field against the Dodgers on Tuesday at Chase Field. Richard Morin/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBShot Clock: Opinion changing on Bonds in Hall? | 1:56
Doug Haller and Mark Faller discuss Barry Bonds and the Baseball Hall of Fame.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBJake Lamb on his grand slam to beat Dodgers | 2:04
Diamondbacks third baseman Jake Lamb discusses his grand slam in the seventh inning to lead his team to a win over the Dodgers on Tuesday. Richard Morin/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTorey Lovullo on D-Backs’ ‘pretty special’ win over Dodgers | 2:40
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about his team’s win over the Dodgers on Tuesday at Chase Field. Richard Morin/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTorey Lovullo on disappointing finish to D-Backs’ trip | 1:58
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about the Diamondbacks’ 6-3 loss to the Giants on Sunday, which ended their 10-game road trip with a 5-5 record.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBAnthony Banda on his first big-league victory | 1:29
Anthony Banda talks about how it feels to win his first game in the big leagues.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTorey Lovullo talks about Anthony Banda’s win vs. Giants | 2:00
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo was impressed with Anthony Banda’s ability to make adjustments during his outing against the Giants on Friday night.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBMcCain’s stadium advice, best AZ sports moment | 4:16
Arizona Senator John McCain joins the Shot Clock to talk Arizona sports.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBPaul Goldschmidt after three-homer game vs. Cubs | 1:49
Diamondbacks slugger Paul Goldschmidt talks about his three-homer game on Thursday afternoon against the Cubs.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTorey Lovullo on D-Backs’ wild win over Cubs | 1:37
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about his team’s 10-8 win over the Chicago Cubs on Thursday at Wrigley Field.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBJake Lamb on D-Backs’ bounce-back win over Cubs | 1:24
Third baseman Jake Lamb talks about the Diamondbacks’ ability to bounce back from an ugly loss to the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTorey Lovullo on Godley’s performance, Lamb’s clutch hits | 1:33
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about Zack Godley’s strong six innings and Jake Lamb’s two run-scoring doubles in a win over the Cubs.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTorey Lovullo on miscues, Descalso’s pitching in 16-4 loss to Cubs | 1:32
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about his team’s defensive miscues and infielder Daniel Descalso’s relief appearance.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBPatrick Corbin on rough outing vs. Cubs | 1:05
Diamondbacks lefty Patrick Corbin says he made too many mistakes against the Cubs on Tuesday night at Wrigley Field.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBShot Clock: Who’s at shortstop for D-Backs? | 1:55
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and J.J. Hensley discuss the changes with the Diamondbacks.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTorey Lovullo on loss to Cardinals, injury to Owings | 1:12
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about his team’s 3-2 loss on Sunday and Chris Owings’ fractured finger.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTaijuan Walker on his mistakes vs. Cardinals | 1:33
Diamondbacks right-hander Taijuan Walker talks about the mistakes he made in a 3-2 loss to the Cardinals on Sunday.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBRobbie Ray talks about the line drive that hit him | 2:13
Diamondbacks lefty Robbie Ray talks about what he remembers from Friday night, when he was struck on the head by a line drive in the second inning.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBD-Backs’ Zack Greinke on outing vs. Cardinals | 1:26
Diamondbacks right-hander Zack Greinke talks about his performance in a 7-1 win over the Cardinals on Saturday night.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTorey Lovullo on D-Backs’ 7-1 win over Cardinals | 1:21
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about his team’s all-around performance, including Zack Greinke’s seven strong innings, in a win over the Cardinals.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBD-Backs manager Tony Lovullo on Robbie Ray’s condition | 1:26
Lovullo on Robbie Ray’s condition after getting hit in the head by a line drive.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBDaniel Descalso on liner that hit Robbie Ray | 1:23
Diamondbacks infielder Daniel Descalso talks about the line drive that struck Robbie Ray, and how he was able to catch it after the ball ricocheted in the air.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBShot Clock: Focus key for J.D. Martinez | 2:00
azcentral sports’ Sarah McLellan and Jay Dieffenbach discuss the Diamondbacks in our Shot Clock video.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTorey Lovullo on Martinez’s grand slam, Godley’s outing | 1:43
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo discusses J.D. Martinez’s grand slam and Zack Godley’s seven shutout innings in a win over the Cardinals.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBJ.D. Martinez on strong performance in win | 1:24
Newly acquired Diamondbacks slugger J.D. Martinez on his play in Wednesday’s win.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBKetel Marte on his inside-the-park home run | 1:32
The Diamondbacks’ Ketel Marte talks about his inside-the-park home run in Wednesday’s win.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBLovullo talks about the D-Backs’ 10-3 win over Atlanta | 1:52
Torey Lovullo talks about his team’s win against the Braves.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBDiamondbacks fall 8-3 to Braves | 1:27
Manager Torey Lovullo and right-hander Taijuan Walker react to the loss.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBJ.D. Martinez on playing in the NL, seeing new pitching | 1:22
Martinez: “It’s kind of hard not to [press],” he said. “You just kind of want to get here and show people what you want to do.” Ricky Morin/azcsports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBLovullo raves about Greinke’s outing vs. Braves | 2:18
Lovullo: “He was in command from start to finish.” Ricky Morin/azcsports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBZack Greinke discusses outing vs. Braves | 1:02
Greinke: “My command was as good as it’s been in awhile.” Ricky Morin/azcsports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTorey Lovullo and Robbie Ray discuss Diamondbacks’ loss to Nationals | 2:29
Manager Torey Lovullo and left-hander Robbie Ray discuss the team’s 6-2 loss to Nationals on Sunday at Chase Field.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBAnthony Banda talks about his MLB debut | 2:59
Anthony Banda talks about his MLB debut in the Diamondbacks’ loss to the Nationals.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBLovullo reacts to the D-Backs’ loss to the Nationals | 2:31
Torey Lovullo on the Diamondbacks’ loss to Washington.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBDiamondbacks edge Nationals in walk-off win | 1:19
Manager Torey Lovullo, second baseman Brandon Drury and center fielder A.J. Pollock react to the 6-5 win.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBDiamondbacks introduce J.D. Martinez at Chase Field | 1:10
Right fielder J.D. Martinez was introduced at Chase Field on Friday.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTorey Lovullo on Corbin’s outing, series victory vs. Reds | 1:51
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about a 12-2 win over the Reds on Thursday in which Patrick Corbin went 7 1/3 innings.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBPatrick Corbin on his strong start vs. Reds | 1:22
Diamondbacks left-hander Patrick Corbin talks about pitching against the Reds on short notice on Thursday in Cincinnati.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBJ.D. Martinez talks about getting hit by a pitch vs. Reds | 1:19
Diamondbacks slugger J.D. Martinez talks about how his left hand feels after he was hit by a pitch on Wednesday night against the Reds.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBManager Torey Lovullo on loss to Reds, Martinez’s injury | 1:54
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about his team’s 4-3 loss to the Reds on Wednesday night and the hit-by-pitch on new slugger J.D. Martinez.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBZack Greinke on his outing vs. Reds | 1:52
Diamondbacks right-hander Zack Greinke says his location on Wednesday night wasn’t as good as it has been in previous starts.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBShot Clock: D-Backs seize moment with trade | 2:05
azcentral sports’ Greg Moore and Jay Dieffenbach talk about the Diamondbacks trade for J.D. Martinez and what it means.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTorey Lovullo on D-Backs’ win over Reds, acquisition of J.D. Martinez | 1:40
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about his team’s offensive breakout on Tuesday and about the potential impact of newly acquired slugger J.D. Martinez.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBShot Clock: Robbie Ray brings intensity to mound | 1:51
azcentral sports’ Greg Moore and Mark Faller discuss Robbie Ray pitching for Diamondbacks and Josh Jackson’s transition to the Suns.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBShot Clock: D-Backs fear Cubs; ASU’s hot seat | 1:54
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Doug Haller weigh in on the Diamondbacks and ASU football in our Shot Clock video.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTorey Lovullo after D-Backs’ fifth straight loss | 1:47
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about Zack Godley’s performance on Sunday in a 7-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves.
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Torey Lovullo after D-Backs’ loss to Dodgers
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Jake Lamb on his grand slam to beat Dodgers
Torey Lovullo on D-Backs’ ‘pretty special’ win over Dodgers
Torey Lovullo on disappointing finish to D-Backs’ trip
Anthony Banda on his first big-league victory
Torey Lovullo talks about Anthony Banda’s win vs. Giants
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Patrick Corbin on rough outing vs. Cubs
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Torey Lovullo on loss to Cardinals, injury to Owings
Taijuan Walker on his mistakes vs. Cardinals
Robbie Ray talks about the line drive that hit him
D-Backs’ Zack Greinke on outing vs. Cardinals
Torey Lovullo on D-Backs’ 7-1 win over Cardinals
D-Backs manager Tony Lovullo on Robbie Ray’s condition
Daniel Descalso on liner that hit Robbie Ray
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Torey Lovullo on Martinez’s grand slam, Godley’s outing
J.D. Martinez on strong performance in win
Ketel Marte on his inside-the-park home run
Lovullo talks about the D-Backs’ 10-3 win over Atlanta
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J.D. Martinez on playing in the NL, seeing new pitching
Lovullo raves about Greinke’s outing vs. Braves
Zack Greinke discusses outing vs. Braves
Torey Lovullo and Robbie Ray discuss Diamondbacks’ loss to Nationals
Anthony Banda talks about his MLB debut
Lovullo reacts to the D-Backs’ loss to the Nationals
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Torey Lovullo after D-Backs’ fifth straight loss
Torey Lovullo walked to the mound to talk to Zack Greinke.
That in itself was unusual. Normally, when Lovullo makes a mound visit during a game it’s to ask for the ball and go to his bullpen. But on Wednesday, with one out in the seventh inning and the Diamondbacks nursing a 2-1 lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers, he wanted to ask Greinke how he felt.
Greinke had given up a leadoff double to Cody Bellinger to start the inning, and catcher Yasmani Grandal followed with a hard-hit line drive that A.J. Pollock ran down in center field. Greinke was only at 89 pitches but Lovullo was concerned enough that he left the dugout rather than pitching coach Mike Butcher.
“I just wanted to go out and see how he was doing and look him in the eye,” Lovullo said. “He said, ‘I feel as good as I’ve felt all game. I feel great.’ He’s our ace. It didn’t make sense for me to take him out of the game at that point.”
Three batters later, the Dodgers had scored two runs off Greinke to secure a 3-2 victory heading into Thursday’s series finale.
“A tough game to lose,” Lovullo said.
Up until the seventh inning, Greinke had tamed the Dodgers, allowing just one hit, a Bellinger solo homer in the second inning. He had walked four batters but he was winning the pitcher’s duel against Los Angeles starter Alex Wood.
Then it fell apart.
Bellinger ripped a middle-of-the-plate fastball for a double. Greinke got Grandal and Chase Utley for two quick outs and needed to retire center fielder Joc Pederson to end his night with the lead. Greinke already had struck out Pederson twice, but with a 1-0 count he tried to throw a change-up down and away. Instead, it stayed up and Pederson laced it for a double to score Bellinger and tie the game at 2-2.
“The pitch to Joc was the worst one,” said Greinke, who lost for the first time at Chase Field after going 10-0. “Down the middle and up for a change-up. That’s a bad location.”
Lovullo then decided to pitch to Yasiel Puig even though Wood was on deck, and the Dodgers would have gone to their bench for a pinch-hitter. His reasoning: He didn’t want Los Angeles to get any more runners on base – “next thing you know you’re several runs behind” – and he thought Greinke had handled Puig, even though Puig was 0 for 1 with a walk up to that point.
“I thought he was going to execute his pitches, get that out, walk off the mound and get a chance to win the game,” Lovullo said.
Instead, Puig hit a single through the right side of the infield to drive in Pederson for the game-winning run.
“I thought Zack threw the ball very, very well,” Lovullo said. “He told me he felt great and I wanted him to go out there and finish that inning. Unfortunately it didn’t happen.”
Pitchers: Diamondbacks LHP Anthony Banda (1-1, 3.86) vs. Dodgers RHP Yu Darvish (7-9, 3.81).
TV/Radio: FSAZ/KMVP-FM (98.7), KHOV-FM (105.1).
Rookie Anthony Banda will make his third career start for the Diamondbacks on Thursday. … Banda is coming off his first major-league win, which he picked up after the Diamondbacks topped the Giants last week. … Banda pitched six innings, allowing just one run. … He’ll face the newest member of the division-leading Dodgers in Darvish, who will be making his second start with his new team after being traded at the deadline by the Texas Rangers. … Darvish threw seven scoreless innings while striking out 10 against the Mets last week in his first appearance.
Coming up
Friday: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Taijuan Walker (6-5, 3.60) vs. Cubs RHP John Lackey (9-9, 4.81).
Saturday: At Chase Field, 5:10 p.m., Diamondbacks LHP Patrick Corbin (8-11, 4.76) vs. Cubs LHP Jon Lester (8-6, 3.97).
Sunday: At Chase Field, 1:10 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Zack Godley (5-4, 2.94) vs. Cubs TBD.