D-Backs sticking with RHP Delgado in rotation

NICK PIECORO AZCENTRAL SPORTS

The Diamondbacks are giving righthander Randall Delgado another chance to start, saying he’ll remain in the rotation to face the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday at PNC Park.

The club is hopeful that right-hander Taijuan Walker will be ready to return from the disabled list when his turn comes up next.

Delgado gave up two runs (one earned) in four innings on Wednesday against the Chicago White Sox. After throwing 61 pitches in that outing, manager Torey Lovullo said the club could bump him into the 70-75 range on Monday.

Lovullo said part of the reason the Diamondbacks waited until Friday to settle on Delgado was because they wanted to see how they got through Thursday’s game.

Lefty Robbie Ray’s seven-inning outing in a 4-0 win over the Brewers helped provide rest for the bullpen, allowing them to feel comfortable leaving Delgado in the rotation.

“I think what Robbie was able to do for us kind of slowed some things down and solidified that spot for us,” Lovullo said.

Walker, out with a blister on his right index finger, is scheduled to throw a bullpen on Saturday and, if all goes well, a simulated game early next week in Pittsburgh.

D-Backs staying patient with prospect Duplantier

It would be hard for Diamondbacks prospect Jon Duplantier to pitch much better than he has through the season’s first two months with Low-A Kane County, at least in terms of results. In 48 1/3 innings, Duplantier has a 0.56 ERA with 56 strikeouts compared to only 11 walks.

But farm director Mike Bell said the organization is in no hurry to promote him, preferring that he work on some of the “finer” points of pitching at a lower level, a more deliberate approach in the way of development than the club had displayed in previous years.

“I think it’s great that he’s dominating the league; I really do,” Bell said. “I think we look at him as a major-league pitcher … (But) there are still a few things we’d like to see him improve on.”

Duplantier, 22, was the club’s thirdround selection last year out of Rice, slipping to them in large part because of injury concerns. Duplantier dealt with shoulder problems during the 2015 season, then after signing with the Diamondbacks he was limited to just one inning due to an elbow issue.

He’s been healthy this year, dominating Midwest League hitters with a fourpitch mix, including a low-to-mid 90s fastball to go with a slider, curveball and change-up. That change-up was one of the things Bell said the organization would like to see him refine before he’s promoted.

“He’s going to start working on his change-up a little bit more,” Bell said. “It’s a plus pitch, he just hasn’t had to use it much there. We want him to focus on some of the finer things. He’ll move in time.”

The organization’s patience with Duplantier could signal a change in philosophy. In the past, the Diamondbacks seemed more aggressive when it came to promotions, saying they wanted to challenge players once they demonstrated an ability to dominate a level.

“I’d prefer these guys to have as much success through the minor leagues for as long as they can,” Bell said. “The game is going to take care of the humbling without us trying to force it. If it appears that we’re more conservative this year, maybe we are. Maybe it’s the personnel that is allowing us to identify players that can benefit from it. I’ve always liked to err on the side of being conservative, but we have been this year."

Pollock progressing

Center fielder A.J. Pollock did some “light running” and hit in the cage at Salt River Fields on Thursday, and he was planning to hit on the field on Friday as he continues to work his way back from a right groin strain.

“Everything as far as I’ve been told and what I’ve been reading has been very positive for A.J,” Lovullo said. “He’s in a good spot right now.”