D-backs’ Lovullo sticking with struggling Holland at closer

PHOENIX — Despite a string of rough performances, Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo isn’t making a change in the back end of his bullpen.

Lovullo said before Friday’s game against the Colorado Rockies that Greg Holland would remain the team’s closer.

Holland has blown saves in consecutive games and has raised his ERA from 2.08 to 3.21 since June 27.

“Greg Holland is going to get the ball,” Lovullo said. “I believe in him and he’s going to get the baseball again.”

The 33-year-old’s rough stretch has been magnified because of the opposition.

Holland blew saves in both games against the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier this week, including one in which he walked four batters in a row with two outs.

Arizona lost both games.

Holland also blew a save to the Rockies on June 20, a game the D-backs ultimately lost 6-4.

“He’s done it a long time and knows how to fight back from those situations and we’ve seen every closer in this game stumble from time to time,” Lovullo said. “I don’t want to run from him just because of two bad games in a row.”

Asked who could potentially relieve Holland, Lovullo floated Yoan Lopez’s name.

Lopez has a 1.36 ERA in 39 appearances so far this season.

“He’s very comfortable in this role,” Lovullo said of Holland. “I believe in him and he’s going to get the baseball tonight if we need to get a save.”

YOUNG TO START SUNDAY

Lovullo also announced lefty Alex Young would start Sunday against the Rockies.

Young made his MLB debut on June 27, throwing five innings and allowing one run to pick up his first win.

The 25-year-old’s only other appearance was Tuesday against the Dodgers, when he threw 2.1 scoreless innings.

“He’s got really good stuff,” Lovullo said. “He’s been pounding the zone and has been very, very good for us since getting here.

“I think he deserves this opportunity.”

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