Gibson defends use of Aaron Heilman
Jun 15, 2011, 11:06 PM | Updated: Jun 16, 2011, 2:42 pm
PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks dropped the opening game of their series against the Giants on Tuesday and much of the talk to come out of that game was manager Kirk Gibson bringing in the struggling Aaron Heilman, who gave up the winning run.
“The stubbornness in trying to get Aaron Heilman right may have cost the Arizona Diamondbacks the game last night,” said John Gambadoro on the Sports 620 KTAR’s Gambo and Ash show on Wednesday.
Heilman has struggled virtually all season while dealing with shoulder tendinitis.
“When you’re in a pennant race and battling for first place, I’m not throwing a guy out there who can’t get anybody out anymore in a one run game against the team that’s directly ahead of me,” said Gambadoro.
“I continue to be baffled by Aaron Heilman pitching in these close games.”
The D-backs manager came on the show and defended his use of Heilman pointing to his proven track record of making 70 appearances in the past five straight seasons.
