Torey Lovullo calls Diamondbacks closer’s role a ‘fluid’ situation
SAN DIEGO — Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo would not say what his plans were for the ninth inning on Wednesday night, but he did not commit to sticking with right-hander Ian Kennedy, who blew his second save in as many chances on Tuesday night.
“It’s a fluid situation right now,” Lovullo said. “We’re still talking through that. My job is to help this team win baseball games and I’m going to make the best decision moving forward to help us do that.”
Kennedy gave up two runs in the ninth inning of a 6-5 loss to the San Diego Padres on Tuesday at Petco Park. He also allowed the tying home run in the ninth inning on Saturday night in a game the Diamondbacks lost, 8-6, to the Milwaukee Brewers.
Some of Lovullo’s other veteran options are struggling. Right-hander Mark Melancon and left-hander Joe Mantiply have each allowed runs in four of their past seven outings.
Right-hander Kevin Ginkel has thrown well in recent outings, as have lefty Caleb Smith and right-hander Reyes Moronta, whom the Diamondbacks claimed off waivers two weeks ago.
Ketel in Denver
Second baseman Ketel Marte will play in only two of the three games in the upcoming series at Coors Field, Lovullo said, a way for the club to try to keep him healthy at a place where he has a history of injury.
Marte said he has had hamstring issues three times in his career during series at Coors Field, most recently last month, when he felt tightness in his left hamstring while running the bases.
Lovullo said the club wants Marte to “be smart” while playing this weekend.
“We’ve given him the green light to pull back and preserve a little bit,” Lovullo said. “I don’t necessarily believe in that unless you’re grinding through some injuries and trying to play and be a good teammate. In this case, I’ll allow him to do that. Pull back when needed. Just be smart, have a governor on. Understand how you’re feeling.”
Short hop
First baseman Christian Walker was not starting at either first base or designated hitter on Wednesday, his first day out of the lineup since May 30, snapping a string of 85 consecutive games.
Reach Piecoro at (602) 444-8680 or nick.piecoro@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @nickpiecoro.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Torey Lovullo: Diamondbacks closer's job a ‘fluid’ situation
