D-backs’ Alex Avila placed on 10-day DL, Robbie Ray activated

The Arizona Diamondbacks have placed catcher Alex Avila on the 10-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring and activated Robbie Ray to start Wednesday’s game against the Miami Marlins.

Avila has struggled in his first season with the D-backs, hitting .124 with only four extra-base hits.

The 31-year-old backstop has improved defensively in his short time with the D-backs, as he’s posted 0.4 defensive Wins Above Replacement despite his offensive struggles.

Ray returns to the D-backs after missing just under two months with an oblique injury. Ray was a breakout starter for the team in 2017 but struggled early in 2018.

The 26-year-old lefty posted a 2-0 record with a 4.88 ERA but struggled with command issues walking 17 batters in 27 2/3 innings of work.

Ray is joining a rotation that includes Patrick Corbin, Zack Greinke, Shelby Miller and Zack Godley. Miller and Ray replace Matt Koch, who was sent down to Reno, and Clay Buchholz, who was placed on the disabled list with a strained left oblique.

The D-backs will now use a two catcher tandem with John Ryan Murphy and Jeff Mathis. Murphy has done a nice job at the plate hitting for power by posting a .520 slugging percentage.

Mathis has been primarily used as Greinke’s personal catcher, but is noted for his strong pitch-framing and game-calling.

The D-backs conclude their series with the Marlins Thursday afternoon and then return home to start a 10-game homestand with a series against the Giants.