ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

D-backs’ Eric Hinske thriving in pinch-hitting role

Apr 9, 2013, 3:57 AM | Updated: 3:59 am

Eric Hinske hasn’t wasted any time fitting in during his first season with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He’s got the relaxed personality and makeup of a savvy veteran. He knows when to focus and when to keep it light, and he can get the job done when called upon.

“He brings a different element,” said manager Kirk Gibson before the game on Monday. “He’s very loose, he’s very focused at the time but he also keeps everybody loose. He’s had great at-bats.”

One of those at-bats came in the 11th inning of Sunday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers.

After sitting on the bench for the first 10 innings of the contest, the utility infielder/outfielder was called upon to bat in the pitcher’s spot. Hinske promptly hit the game-winning, two-run home run off John Axford, giving the D-backs a three-game sweep of Milwaukee and the third 5-1 start in team history.

“I’ve been able to get him on some good match-ups,” said Gibson. “(John Axford) threw him three breaking balls. That’s one of the things about veteran guys, that’s a very dangerous thing to do and he made him pay for it. Especially, if you’re going to do it, you gotta make sure it’s a damn good pitch.”

Hinske has spent time with seven major league clubs since being selected in the 17th round by the Chicago Cubs in the 1998 amateur draft. He was also named MLB Rookie of the Year in 2002 while with the Blue Jays.

While it’s not an easy role, it’s safe to say Hinske’s well-traveled career has prepared him to succeed as a pinch-hitter.

“The whole game’s hard. It’s challenging. It’s like being a kicker in the NFL, is that a hard job? I look at it as a glorious spot to be in,” said Gibson. “It’s just I guess how you process it. He has the credentials to do the job well.”

Gibson knows that Hinske would love to be an everyday player. He’s spent time at first, third, right and left field during his career, but he’s also a valuable piece for this club coming off the bench in key situations.

“I considered playing him (Tuesday), but I told him I wasn’t going to because I think he’s 4-for-6 off (James) McDonald. He says, ‘Well, what do I have to get in the lineup?’ and I told him ‘I like you just where you are.'”

The 35-year-old, who signed with the D-backs back in December, has batted .222 in his career as a pinch-hitter, but he does have nine home runs and 39 RBI.

Gibson thinks Hinske has a pretty good gig right now.

“That’s a great job,” said Gibson. “You get to sit there and prepare and watch and be a good teammate and you get a chance to win the game. I think that’s a pretty good job.”

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

Alek Thomas, Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder...

Kevin Zimmerman

D-backs’ Alek Thomas found confidence with just 2 swings in 2023 playoffs

Two Alek Thomas home runs during the 2023 playoff run for the Arizona Diamondbacks helped build his confidence. You can guess one of them.

1 hour ago

Alek Thomas...

Alex Weiner

NL West preview: Where do the Diamondbacks fit in a new-look division?

No division was more prevalent in the news cycle than the NL West. Here's a preview of the Dodgers, D-backs, Giants, Padres and Giants.

6 hours ago

Corbin Martin...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks option RHPs Corbin Martin, Slade Cecconi in final week of spring training

The Diamondbacks continued to clear up roster battles by optioning pitchers Corbin Martin, Slade Cecconi and Blake Walston Triple-A.

6 hours ago

Yu-Min Lin...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks prospects Yu-Min Lin, Jordan Lawlar stand out in inaugural Spring Breakout

Diamondbacks pitcher Yu-Min Lin was among the standouts against the Rockies in Saturday's inaugural Spring Breakout prospects showcase. 

2 days ago

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo...

Alex Weiner

When will the Diamondbacks finalize their Opening Day roster?

There are not many Diamondbacks roster spots still up for grabs, but the ongoing spring training battles are coming down to the end. 

2 days ago

Kole Calhoun #56 of the Arizona Diamondbacks hits a single in the seventh inning against the Chicag...

David Veenstra

Former Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona State outfielder Kole Calhoun retires

Former Diamondbacks and Arizona State outfielder Kole Calhoun announced his retirement on Friday. He played12 seasons in the major leagues. 

2 days ago

D-backs’ Eric Hinske thriving in pinch-hitting role