D-backs’ David Peralta thinks he can pitch-hit Monday; Lovullo not sure
Jul 30, 2018, 4:50 PM
Arizona Diamondbacks' David Peralta (6) smiles as he returns to the dugout after scoring on a double by John Ryan Murphy during the third inning of a baseball game against the Oakland Athletics on Friday, May 25, 2018, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
PHOENIX — Diamondbacks left fielder David Peralta, who exited Sunday’s game against the Padres with right shoulder tightness, is not in the starting lineup against the Rangers on Monday.
He thinks he could play if asked, though.
“I’m ready to pinch-hit,” Peralta said before the game.
Manager Torey Lovullo wasn’t so sure pregame. Two hours before game time, he had yet to talk to the outfielder or the medical staff since Peralta’s exam.
“Players always give you something on the high side,” Lovullo said. “They always feel like they’re ready to go. I love that, I love that part of our group … but medically, we gotta sign off on that.”
Peralta first felt stiffness on Saturday, but he played through it and thought he was good to go Sunday. During his first swing, he said he felt tightness again.
He got another at-bat before getting pinch-hit for in the sixth inning.
“I (didn’t) want to do something like over-swing and do something stupid and then hurt myself more,” Peralta said.
He said during his test, he was able to move his shoulder fine, so it’s not a pull. He’s optimistic he can return soon.
Jon Jay is slotted as the left fielder and hitting leadoff Monday. A.J. Pollock and Steven Souza Jr. will man the other two outfield spots.
