Lovullo: Zack Godley could start again Saturday for D-backs

The Arizona Diamondbacks have not announced a starting pitcher for Saturday’s game against the San Francisco Giants, but it could very well again be Zack Godley.

D-backs manager Torey Lovullo told Burns & Gambo on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station on Tuesday that Godley is a possibility to fill the role.

Godley started Sunday’s game against Atlanta and played the role of “opener,” allowing one run in two innings of work.

“It possibly could [be Godley]. We have an open spot on Saturday and we’re going to try to win tonight,” Lovullo said. “If we have to use Zack, we will.

“We know he’s in a weird spot and we want to keep moving him forward.”

Lovullo didn’t say whether Godley would again be an opener if he’s named the starter, but it’s safe to assume he’d be comfortable with that or an extended role if called upon.

Arizona is in the position of looking to fill its final starter spot because of Godley, who was removed from the rotation in late April after posting a 7.58 ERA in six starts.

Godley made two appearances out of the bullpen before returning to the rotation on Sunday.

He was tagged for three runs in three innings last Monday against Tampa Bay before earning his first career save on Wednesday.

“He’s throwing very well,” Lovullo said of Godley. “We want to continue to follow the process and give him the ability to get into that Zack Godley stuff he’s shown us the last couple years.

“We’ll do it methodically, we’re not going to rush him. He’s in a good spot.”

If Godley’s forced to pitch before Saturday, the D-backs don’t have a lot of options.

Taylor Clarke and Jon Duplantier were each optioned to Triple-A Reno within the past 10 days and won’t be eligible to return to the major league team by Saturday.

Long reliever T.J. McFarland could be an option, but has appeared in just four games since returning from a shoulder injury.

“We haven’t written anyone down. The day is still open,” Lovullo said. “We have a bunch of capable guys who could start that day. I’ll sit down with the staff on our off day and figure it out.”

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