Diamondbacks recall Kohl Drake to start vs. Giants, Nolan Arenado added to lineup

Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado was initially out of the starting lineup on Friday against the San Francisco Giants after getting scratched on Thursday with right thumb inflammation.

But the D-backs adjusted their batting order an hour ahead of first pitch, inserting Arenado in place of Jose Fernandez at third base.

Arenado last played on Wednesday as a designated hitter against the Chicago Cubs.

The Diamondbacks also recalled rookie left-handed pitcher Kohl Drake from Triple-A Reno to start on Friday.

They opted to option relief pitcher Juan Burgos, keeping Thursday starter Jose Cabrera on the roster for the time being.

Why is Kohl Drake starting for the Diamondbacks?

Arizona is one game into a four-game series that will be played over three days, as the D-backs and Giants have a doubleheader on Saturday.

Given the injuries in the starting rotation along with the unfortunate timing of the doubleheader for Arizona’s intent and purposes, the D-backs have had to bring back two starters from Triple-A, and they may call on a third to start on Saturday.

Merrill Kelly and likely Mitch Bratt (who was recently optioned) will tackle the bulks innings of the doubleheader.

Drake has made four major league starts this season, two of which went decently well, and the other two not so much.

He owns a 5.40 ERA with 13 strikeouts and six walks in 16.2 innings pitched.

The southpaw has not pitched well back in Triple-A since his latest option, giving up 10 runs in five innings over two starts (with nine walks).

The D-backs received a solid effort from Cabrera on Thursday, who delivered 4.1 innings with two earned runs, good enough to keep the game close. A rough outing from Kevin Ginkel ballooned the Giants’ lead in an eventual 6-1 loss for the Diamondbacks.

Arizona entered Friday 1.5 games back of the third National League Wild Card spot, heightening the importance of every game, especially after a rough loss.

Drake providing a performance similar to Cabrera would be a win.

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