Win a road series? Well, let’s see…
The D-backs have another chance to win a road series, this afternoon in San Diego. That’s something they haven’t done for a very long time. You have to go all the way back to that Sunday in Atlanta, on April 25, when the D-backs double-blanked the Braves in a pair of 7-inning games. Since then’s they are 0-11-1 over the dozen road series they’ve played. with the only non-defeat being a split of the two games in Texas against the Rangers in the final road set of July. They’ve had their chances to win, but not many of them. Indeed, the Diamondbacks went more than two months, without even playing a game in which they could potentially win a series on the road.
After the Atlanta game, the next such was not until June 27th, as the team dropped an MLB record 24 consecutive contests away from home. They lost that one, 5-4 here in San Diego, and also were beaten twice in Los Angeles after winning the opener, and lost the rubber game at Wrigley Field. So they’re 0-4 in potential road series wins since that Atlanta series; today will be their fifth opportunity to break the streak. If they don’t then it’ll probably be the next road trip in late August. That includes three games against the Rockies and Pirates, teams not exactly enjoying the best of seasons. Though the Rockies actually have the 4th best home record in the majors, at 37-21, so that still won’t be easy.
Torey Lovullo notes
Josh Rojas played last night in Reno at DH. He got on base via walk a couple of times, and stole a base with his sliding mitt on. He’ll play today at 2b and then they’ll decide next steps. Rojas is hitless in 6 AB, has 2 walks and a sac fly. If more time is needed in Reno he might get some outfield time.
Luke Weaver’s ACL game is tomorrow not today. He is going to come back as a STARTING PITCHER. He is scheduled to throw 3-4 innings, 45-50 pitches. Asked why this decision was made: He’s got elite stuff and we want to maximize his ability to help us win baseball games.
Noe Ramirez and Stuart Fairchild are now asymptomatic, feeling good, and went out in open air and played catch with one another. Both will require some time to get back up to speed once they are cleared to play. So bullpens, live batter sessions, perhaps rehab games, etc.
Madison Bumgarner’s leadership role in the clubhouse and with helping other young pitchers specifically: Bum is a very private person, very quiet. What I’ve learned about him over the past year and a half is that he pays attention to everything and when he says something it has tremendous value and he’s not going to miss that opportunity to help his teammate get better. He’s going to save up for a big comment and when he speaks up, people listen.
Torey Lovullo audio [or link]