Diamondbacks move Zack Godley to bullpen, option Evan Marshall
Aug 7, 2016, 6:17 PM
Arizona Diamondbacks' Zack Godley throws a pitch against the Washington Nationals during the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2016, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
PHOENIX — Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale spent the final minutes leading up to Arizona’s 9-3 win against Milwaukee holed up in his office.
He, general manager Dave Stewart and pitching coach Mike Butcher played with the roster puzzle as they prepare to welcome back ace Zack Greinke for a Tuesday start against the New York Mets. They came out with a decision to option reliever Evan Marshall to Triple-A Reno to open up the roster spot.
The fallout on the roster will push starting pitcher Zack Godley to the bullpen as prospect Braden Shipley retains his role as a starter.
“We need somebody obviously who can give us a little length in the pen,” Hale said. “It was a very, very tough decision. Godley right now is more fit, more suited of all those guys. He’s done it, he’s pitched out of the bullpen. You can argue so many different things about each guy and how Godley has pitched really well as a starter.”
Godley has a 5.87 ERA, uglier than his 3-2 record. In five starts since July began, he’s gone at least five innings every game and not had an outing get completely away from him like they have so many times for Arizona’s other starting pitchers.
The performances have been endearing to Hale, who after demoting the pitcher in July following a win against the Padres called Godley a “bulldog.”
Arizona will reevaluate Godley’s role after 7-10 days, Hale said.
“He may stay in (the bullpen), he may come back into the rotation. We’ll see,” the manager added.
The musical chairs for the D-backs’ starting pitchers will likely continue.
Shelby Miller pitched a seven-inning shutout with Triple-A Reno on Thursday and by stringing together another few successful starts could see a promotion.
Meanwhile, fellow starter Rubby De La Rosa was poised to make a rehab start in Arizona rookie league play Sunday evening.
Hale said struggling starters like Patrick Corbin were all under consideration when he, Stewart and Butcher were discussing roster moves. Total inning totals will start coming into consideration, he added.
Corbin (130.2), Ray (121) and Greinke (109.1) lead the team in innings pitched. Corbin’s total ranks just 44th in the majors, but the team could be more cautious with him considering his injury history.
Marshall, on the other hand, heads back to Triple-A after a three-outing recent stint where his ERA ballooned to 8.80.
“He has to know what kind of pitcher he is,” Hale said of Marshall. “As you guys have seen him, he’s got a great sinker. He has to live with that sinker, he’s got to pitch off that sinker. If you look at the pitches he’s getting beat with; sliders and changeups, up in the zone. That’s just not who he is.”
PERALTA HITS THE DL, AGAIN
Outfielder David Peralta hit the disabled list for the third time this season after re-injuring his wrist on a catch at the fence that helped Arizona secure a 3-2 win Friday in 11 innings against the Brewers.
“He just hit his wrist in the same spot that he’s had the irritation,” Hale said. “Just knowing David and how much he wants to be out there and help the team win, it’s very difficult to watch. He really is the heart and soul of the group.”
