The Ain’t No Fang Podcast: Who should fill out the D-backs’ rotation?

Jun 30, 2022, 8:29 AM | Updated: 8:41 am

Arizona Diamondbacks starter Tyler Gilbert, right, gets a visit to the mound by catcher Daulton Varsho (12) after Gilbert gave up a solo home run to Los Angeles Dodgers' Trea Turner during the sixth inning of the first game of a baseball double-header Tuesday, May 17, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

BY STEVE ZINSMEISTER AND CODY FINCHER

For a while, the Arizona Diamondbacks have needed someone to fill the fifth spot in their starting rotation after Humberto Castellanos went down with an injury.

Now, it looks like they’ll need to fill an additional starting spot.

Zach Davies was placed on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation on Tuesday and now D-backs manager Torey Lovullo has a decision to make.

The spot vacated by Castellanos has seen a lot of arms get an opportunity, with the latest being veteran lefty Dallas Keuchel.

Keuchel started Sunday’s game against the Detroit Tigers, giving up six hits, four earned runs, and three walks while striking out seven over 4.1 innings of work.

“He executed the game plan, struck a lot of guys out, I think he will just get better for us,” Lovullo told reporters on Tuesday.

The D-backs do have a couple of options in the minor leagues in Corbin Martin and Tyler Gilbert. But which of them deserve a shot in the major league rotation?

There’s also a few options from the bullpen in Luke Weaver and Caleb Smith.

Steve Zinsmeister and Cody Fincher discuss the different alternatives in this week’s episode of The Ain’t No Fang Podcast.

San Diego Padres' Manny Machado signs autographs prior to a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday, June 29, 2022, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

San Diego Padres catcher Austin Nola greets pitcher Nick Martinez, right, after a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday, June 29, 2022, in Phoenix. The Padres defeated the Diamondbacks 4-0. (AP Photo/Matt York)

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Mike Clevinger throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the seventh inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, June 29, 2022, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

San Diego Padres' Jake Cronenworth rounds the bases to score on a base hit by Luke Voit during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday, June 29, 2022, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner throws against the San Diego Padres during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, June 29, 2022, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

San Diego Padres' Jake Cronenworth scores on a base hit by Luke Voit during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday, June 29, 2022, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

San Diego Padres' Jurickson Profar, right, scores on base hit by Jake Cronenworth during the fifth inning of a baseball game as Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Jose Herrera looks on, Wednesday, June 29, 2022, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

San Diego Padres' Jake Cronenworth runs out an RBI base hit against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, June 29, 2022, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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