ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

D-backs’ Jason Kubel: Ankle better, confidence improving

Mar 27, 2013, 9:36 PM | Updated: 9:38 pm

According to manager Kirk Gibson, Jason Kubel hit two home runs and added a couple of other hits in seven at bats against minor league pitching on one of the back fields at Salt River Fields Wednesday morning.

“It was a good day for him,” Gibson said.

The Arizona Diamondbacks’ starting left fielder has not had many good days this spring.

Kubel has struggled at the plate and battled both knee and ankle issues. He was removed from Tuesday night’s game with what the team described as “left ankle discomfort.”

“I felt pretty good,” Kubel said after the intrasquad game. “Just a little sore, maybe a little stiff; but, no, (the ankle) felt fine.”

Gibson said Kubel ran the bases quite a bit and “ran pretty decently,” too.

“He’s good at this point,” Gibson said smiling. “Let’s cross our fingers today. We seem to be a bit bitten right now.” The skipper was referring to Willie Bloomquist (strained right oblique) and Aaron Hill (finger, in the lineup vs. the Giants Wednesday), who were both removed from the game Tuesday as well.

Kubel said he did not play in the field; the plate appearances were priority number-one.

“It definitely helps to get as many at bats as you can,” he said. “I think [Wednesday] is going to help with confidence a little bit.”

Kubel has but six hits in 40 at-bats for a .150 batting average over 17 Cactus League games. In addition, he has one home run and three RBI along with eight walks and 15 strikeouts.

He said he expects to play in the team’s last two exhibition games against the Cincinnati Reds Friday and Saturday at Chase Field.

“I’m just, hopefully, looking forward to getting these next couple of days out of here healthy,” Kubel said. “I’ve just been battling things all spring so hopefully everything just starts feeling good, and stays that way.”

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Arizona Diamondbacks

Ketel Marte celebrates...

Tyler Drake

Ketel Marte to lead off Arizona Diamondbacks’ Opening Day lineup

The Arizona Diamondbacks' Opening Day lineup is set ahead of their matchup against the Colorado Rockies on Thursday.

1 minute ago

Jordan Montgomery throws a pitch...

Tyler Drake

Hall: Diamondbacks’ addition of Jordan Montgomery ‘made a lot of sense’

The Diamondbacks' addition of Jordan Montgomery puts a bow on a rotation that should be in the conversation for the top spot across MLB.

1 hour ago

Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno...

Arizona Sports

Roundtable picks: One Diamondbacks young player to watch in 2024

Which Arizona Diamondbacks player should continue an upward trend in 2024? Gabriel Moreno, Brandon Pfaadt and Alek Thomas are possibilities.

2 hours ago

Chase Field flyover...

Damon Allred

Diamondbacks’ Hall ‘battling’ to keep Chase Field roof open for Opening Day

The roof at Chase Field continues to be a hot button topic, especially after an exhibition game was rained out on Monday.

3 hours ago

Merrill Kelly throws a pitch...

Alex Weiner

Meet the Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2024 Opening Day roster

The Arizona Diamondbacks finalized their 26-man Opening Day roster on Thursday ahead of their matchup against the Rockies.

3 hours ago

Manager Torey Lovullo speaks with Corbin Carroll...

Arizona Sports

Roundtable: Expectations, predictions for the 2024 Arizona Diamondbacks

What are the expectations for the 2024 Arizona Diamondbacks? Arizona Sports show hosts and editors make their predictions.

6 hours ago

D-backs’ Jason Kubel: Ankle better, confidence improving