Collmenter back as D-backs shake up bullpen
PHOENIX -- In recapping Thursday's Diamondbacks loss that capped a three-game sweep in Pittsburgh, TV analyst Bob Brenly left viewers with this: "Something has to change and change quickly."
The team apparently agreed and on Friday revamped its middle relief as part of eight roster moves ahead of a five-game homestand.
Left-hander Andrew Chafin and right-hander Evan Marshall were optioned to Triple-A Reno. Josh Collmenter was activated from the disabled list, and fellow righties Silvino Bracho and Dominic Leone were recalled.
Slugging outfielder Peter O'Brien also was recalled, while starters Shelby Miller and Rubby De La Rosa landed on the DL.
"We're seven games under .500 and this is what happens," manager Chip Hale said. "I explained this to the ballclub yesterday. No one likes a lot of change but that's what happens in professional sports when you're not performing to where you're supposed to be.
"We just need to the middle of the game to calm down. We want to get to the seventh inning ahead, obviously that's our main goal, but when we're down one or two we can't let it get out of hand like we did in Pittsburgh."
Collmenter made three appearances with Reno on a rehab assignment for shoulder tightness and six rehab appearances overall. He was stellar in long relief for the D-backs last season, with a 1.89 ERA after he was removed from the rotation. But he was hit hard during spring training and placed on the disabled list on April 2.
"I know what's expected of me and what role I'll be in," Collmenter said. "Hopefully I can provide a little bit of energy or enthusiasm and get this thing going."
Bracho had 10 saves and a 4.26 ERA in 18 games for Reno. He has also pitched in two games for the D-backs, giving up three runs in 1 2/3 innings. Leone had a 2.12 ERA in 16 games at Reno and also pitched in two games for the D-backs earlier this season.
O'Brien was hitting .306 with 12 home runs and 32 RBI in 42 games. He could be especially valuable when the D-backs head to Houston next week and will use a designated hitter. David Peralta could be back shortly after that.
Chafin, a mainstay in the bullpen last season, was hit hard recently. His ERA was up to 9.00 in a team-high 23 appearances. Marshall had a 6.92 ER in 12 appearances.