ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Could Pena be more than a pinch-hitter for D-backs?

Jun 30, 2011, 12:18 AM | Updated: 2:57 am

PHOENIX – Wily Mo Pena has started to become the new cult hero in Arizona as a pinch-hitting specialist for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Pena since being recalled this month has slugged three home runs including a walk-off home run on Tuesday against the Cleveland Indians.

Pena has been labeled as a poor defensive player which is why he has been relegated to the role of a pinch-hitter, but manager Kirk Gibson is toying with the idea of giving him an opportunity to improve his tarnished defensive reputation.

“He’s going to start working out on the field on this road trip. He’s played out there before, so we’re going to work him out and take a look at it,” said Gibson on the Sports 620 KTAR’s Gambo and Ash show on Wednesday.

The D-backs manager stressed that Pena would only be an option in the outfield despite the team seeming to have a hole at first base.

If Pena proves too much of a defensive liability in the field, it seems Gibson would still like to keep Pena on the team just for his offensive capabilities.

“He’s done very well in the capacity that we brought him up for. He brings an element to us. You get behind, you get him up there and he can pop one and get you back in the game,” said Gibson.

Still, it might be hard for the D-backs to justify keeping a roster spot for somebody just to potentially hit a home run late in games.

“We’ll have to make a decision at some point,” said Gibson.

Let’s hope Pena can demonstrate an ability to be serviceable in the field or continues getting big hits because he has quickly become one of the fan favorites at Chase Field this season.

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Arizona Diamondbacks

Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno...

Arizona Sports

Roundtable picks: One Diamondbacks young player to watch in 2024

Which Arizona Diamondbacks player should continue an upward trend in 2024? Gabriel Moreno, Brandon Pfaadt and Alek Thomas are possibilities.

24 minutes ago

Chase Field flyover...

Damon Allred

Diamondbacks’ Hall ‘battling’ to keep Chase Field roof open for Opening Day

The roof at Chase Field continues to be a hot button topic, especially after an exhibition game was rained out on Monday.

1 hour ago

Merrill Kelly throws a pitch...

Alex Weiner

Meet the Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2024 Opening Day roster

The Arizona Diamondbacks finalized their 26-man Opening Day roster on Thursday ahead of their matchup against the Rockies.

2 hours ago

Manager Torey Lovullo speaks with Corbin Carroll...

Arizona Sports

Roundtable: Expectations, predictions for the 2024 Arizona Diamondbacks

What are the expectations for the 2024 Arizona Diamondbacks? Arizona Sports show hosts and editors make their predictions.

4 hours ago

Zac Gallen...

Arizona Sports

Diamondbacks agree to TV, cable and satellite channel contracts

The Arizona Diamondbacks will air on linear TV channels as well as streams under an MLB-produced broadcast partnership in 2024.

7 hours ago

Jordan Lawlar, D-backs...

Damon Allred

Diamondbacks shortstop Jordan Lawlar to have thumb surgery

Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Jordan Lawlar will have surgery on his right thumb after tearing a ligament, GM Mike Hazen said on Wednesday.

22 hours ago

Could Pena be more than a pinch-hitter for D-backs?