Gibson confident in D-backs’ outfield

The Diamondbacks were dealt a couple of blows this week,
losing outfielders Justin Upton and Chris Young to injury
not even a month into the season.

And both are eager to get back on the field.

“CY, if he wasn’t on the DL, he’d tell me he wants to
play. I’m serious,” D-backs manager Kirk Gibson said.
“Justin was better in the morning, and he started getting
his bat in his hands and stuff.”

Young was placed on the 15-day disabled list after
suffering a right shoulder contusion in a loss to the
Pittsburgh Pirates Tuesday night.

Upton, who has been out with a thumb injury, has looked to
other big league players for any solutions to heal
quicker.

“I know he’s talked to David Wright as well,” Gibson said.
“I guess he saw him on the TV, squeezing that Silly Putty
or something like that. So I guess it helps him keep it
loose once it gets loose.”

The Mets third baseman uses the putty to help rehab a
pinky injury. Putty helps generate strength and
circulation while squeezing and playing with it, and
Upton uses it to stay loose.

“He’s looking to try and get back as soon as he can,” Gibson said. We’re going to have to be patient with him. We don’t want to put him on the DL. If we have the chance, I’ll run him again (Thursday).”

But for now, Gibson and the Diamondbacks will rely on
Jason Kubel, Gerardo Parra and rookie A.J. Pollock to hold
things down until the two former All-Stars return.

“They’re making improvement,” Gibson said. “With CY, we
know he’s going to be on the DL, and we’re confident in
the people we have.”

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