Diamondbacks’ Robbie Ray making progress but won’t start this week
[ad_1]
CLOSE
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
1 of 45
CLOSE
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
2 of 45
CLOSE
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
3 of 45
CLOSE
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.
4 of 45
CLOSE
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.
5 of 45
CLOSE
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.
6 of 45
CLOSE
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.
7 of 45
CLOSE
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.
8 of 45
CLOSE
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.
9 of 45
CLOSE
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.
10 of 45
CLOSE
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.
11 of 45
CLOSE
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.
12 of 45
CLOSE
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.
13 of 45
CLOSE
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.
14 of 45
CLOSE
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.
15 of 45
CLOSE
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.
16 of 45
CLOSE
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.
17 of 45
CLOSE
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.
18 of 45
CLOSE
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.
19 of 45
CLOSE
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.
20 of 45
CLOSE
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.
21 of 45
CLOSE
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.
22 of 45
CLOSE
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.
23 of 45
CLOSE
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.
24 of 45
CLOSE
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.
25 of 45
CLOSE
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.
26 of 45
CLOSE
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.
27 of 45
CLOSE
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
28 of 45
CLOSE
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
29 of 45
CLOSE
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
30 of 45
CLOSE
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.
31 of 45
CLOSE
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.
32 of 45
CLOSE
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.
33 of 45
CLOSE
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.
34 of 45
CLOSE
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.
35 of 45
CLOSE
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.
36 of 45
CLOSE
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.
37 of 45
CLOSE
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.
38 of 45
CLOSE
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.
39 of 45
CLOSE
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.
40 of 45
CLOSE
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.
41 of 45
CLOSE
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.
42 of 45
CLOSE
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.
43 of 45
CLOSE
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.
44 of 45
CLOSE
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.
Archie Bradley after win: ‘This is our home field’
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
McCain’s stadium advice, best AZ sports moment
Paul Goldschmidt after three-homer game vs. Cubs
Torey Lovullo on D-Backs’ wild win over Cubs
Jake Lamb on D-Backs’ bounce-back win over Cubs
Torey Lovullo on Godley’s performance, Lamb’s clutch hits
Torey Lovullo on miscues, Descalso’s pitching in 16-4 loss to Cubs
Patrick Corbin on rough outing vs. Cubs
Shot Clock: Who’s at shortstop for D-Backs?
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
Shot Clock: Focus key for J.D. Martinez
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
Diamondbacks fall 8-3 to Braves
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
Diamondbacks edge Nationals in walk-off win
Diamondbacks introduce J.D. Martinez at Chase Field
Torey Lovullo on Corbin’s outing, series victory vs. Reds
Patrick Corbin on his strong start vs. Reds
J.D. Martinez talks about getting hit by a pitch vs. Reds
Manager Torey Lovullo on loss to Reds, Martinez’s injury
Zack Greinke on his outing vs. Reds
Shot Clock: D-Backs seize moment with trade
Torey Lovullo on D-Backs’ win over Reds, acquisition of J.D. Martinez
Shot Clock: Robbie Ray brings intensity to mound
Shot Clock: D-Backs fear Cubs; ASU’s hot seat
Torey Lovullo after D-Backs’ fifth straight loss
After a stretch of 20 games in 20 days, Diamondbacks left-hander Robbie Ray was among the few players working on the team’s scheduled off-day Monday.
Ray, who was hit in the head by a line drive on July 28 in St. Louis, threw a 28-pitch bullpen session and came out of it feeling well, according to manager Torey Lovullo. It was announced Tuesday that rookie southpaw Anthony Banda would start in Ray’s place against the Dodgers on Thursday.
“He got on the mound and felt very good,” Lovullo said. “Came in today saying things were just fine and played catch again today. We’ll see how Robbie is tomorrow and when that next bullpen will be. He’s certainly trending in a positive direction.”
Ray was struck by a 108 mph comebacker off the bat of Cardinals infielder Luke Voit. Diagnosed with a concussion, the lefty was immediately taken to a hospital and had a pair of staples put into the side of his head to close a wound.
Ray returned to Phoenix prior to the team’s series in San Francisco and was cleared for baseball activities on Thursday. He played catch on Friday and Saturday and took Sunday off before his bullpen on Monday.
“He’s such a great self-evaluator and gives us such honest feedback that we feel like this process should go smoothly,” Lovullo said. “If everything goes as positive as it has been, we could possibly predict when he’s going to get back on the mound.”
Although Ray has been trending in the right direction, Lovullo said the team hasn’t yet looked ahead to when the All-Star pitcher could return to game action.
“The next step is to throw another bullpen,” Lovullo said. “We haven’t determined an outing or any type of game activity, just taking it piece by piece.”
Shortstop shaping up
The injuries to Nick Ahmed and Chris Owings have forced newcomers to occupy the shortstop position for the Diamondbacks, but Lovullo doesn’t see that as a bad thing.
The play of Ketel Marte, the 23-year-old infielder acquired in the Taijuan Walker deal, has been a pleasant surprise to many. It’s also earned him the lion’s share of starts at shortstop.
“Ketel is a true shortstop, so for the time being, we’ll give the bulk of the workload to Ketel, who’s been very productive and has earned that,” Lovullo said. “I think we all have seen what he’s done and the impact he’s made on this ballclub. To me, that’s obvious.”
Marte has hit .257 with an .829 OPS in 70 at bats since his promotion from Triple-A Reno. The Diamondbacks also acquired utility infielder Adam Rosales from the Athletics, and the right-handed hitter figures to slot in at shortstop against some lefties.
Meanwhile, Ahmed has had surgery on his broken wrist, removed the cast and the pins and is in the process of ramping up baseball activities.
“Getting hit and having surgery, I didn’t really know what to expect,” Ahmed said. “But once I had the surgery and got the cast off and the pins out, it was really stiff. I was really nervous, but it’s been steady progress every day.”
Ahmed was placed on the 60-day disabled list on June 28, which would make him eligible for the home series with the Dodgers at the end of August. He’s been hitting off the tee and taking underhand flips, as well as building strength in throwing.
“I’ve thrown two days now, and it keeps feeling better. There won’t be a problem with my arm, it’ll be in great shape,” he said. “I’ll definitely be ready (to come off the DL) and hopefully be at 100 percent and ready for a playoff push.”
Hernandez making an impression
Since being acquired from the Braves at the trade deadline, right-hander David Hernandez has established himself as a weapon in the Arizona bullpen.
The reliever has pitched in three games for the Diamondbacks, allowing no runs, hits or walks and striking out a pair of batters. Lovullo sees him as a late-innings arm who doesn’t apply to traditional bullpen matchups.
“He is able to go and throw against right- and left-handed batters,” Lovullo said. “He’s got weapons against both sides of the plate, and that’s a great luxury a manager can carry around knowing you don’t have to match up late in the game. He’s been locked in and had a great year, and we want that to continue here.”
What stands out to the manager is Hernandez’s strong performances even while being thrown into high-leverage situations upon his arrival. Lovullo sees no reason to ramp down the intensity of his moments.
“He has risen to the challenge,” Lovullo said. “He’s performed each and every time out there, so we’re going to give him the ball in some key situations as we have. We’re really enjoying what we’ve seen so far.”
Short hops
Yasmany Tomas continued his baserunning progression as he rehabs a groin injury, running the bases in arc formations over the last couple of days. Still, there hasn’t been talk of when the Cuban slugger could return to game action. “Yasmany has been working on his baserunning progression,” Lovullo said. “There’s a natural thought to what he needs to do before we send him out for some games. But he’s continuing to do all normal baseball activities.”
Right-hander Randall Delgado initiated a throwing program and threw from 90 feet on Monday. Delgado, who is nursing an elbow injury, responded positively to the session.
Outfielder Rey Fuentes, on the DL with a thumb contusion, will play a rehab game with Triple-A Reno on Tuesday.
Pitchers: Diamondbacks RHP Zack Greinke (13-4, 3.10) vs. Dodgers LHP Alex Wood (13-1, 2.33).
TV/Radio: FSAZ/KMVP-FM (98.7), KHOV-FM (105.1)
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better pitching matchup all season. Greinke was hit hard his last outing, giving up nine hits and six earned runs to the Chicago Cubs in six innings. … At Chase Field, he’s 10-0 with a 2.39 ERA and has struck out 95 batters in 79 innings. … Greinke lost his only previous start against the Dodgers this year when he allowed five runs in five innings way back in April. … Wood has been a revelation for the Dodgers but he’s already pitched 40 more innings than he did all last year and recently complained of some fatigue in his left arm.
Coming up
Thursday: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks LHP Anthony Banda (1-1, 3.86) vs. Dodgers RHP Yu Darvish (7-9, 3.81).
Friday: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks TBD vs. Cubs RHP John Lackey (9-9, 4.81).
Saturday: At Chase Field, 5:10 p.m., Diamondbacks TBD vs. Cubs LHP Jon Lester (8-6, 3.97).