D-Backs bench coming up big in first week of season
Sometimes as early as the third inning, Diamondbacks bench players start their preparations, putting on their managers’ caps and imagining what moves might happen next.
They’ll factor in how far away the pitcher’s spot is in the lineup and the pitch counts of both starters. They’ll forecast which relievers might enter the game. They’ll go over video and scouting reports. They’ll do everything they can to prepare for an at-bat or situation that might never arise.
Through the first series of the season, those preparations paid off for the Diamondbacks, whose bench produced timely hits in each of their three wins over the San Francisco Giants this week at Chase Field. Diamondbacks subs entered Friday night 4 for 9 (.444) with two walks, six runs scored and four RBIs.
“It’s just about being ready and staying ready,” Diamondbacks outfielder Jeremy Hazelbaker said. “It’s definitely tough, but we’ve shown we’re going to be able to handle that this year.”
Hazelbaker has yet to start, but he’s found his way into each game, contributing in one way or another. He’s been sent up as a pinch hitter three times and found his way on base each time, drawing a walk and delivering a pair of runscoring hits, including a game-changing double on Wednesday night.
It’s been an impressive start to the year for a player who was on the bubble to make the team before veteran Gregor Blanco went down with an oblique injury late in camp. And even then, Hazelbaker endured a rough camp, going just 10 for 55 (.182) with one extra-base hit in Cactus League play.
But Hazelbaker not only found his way onto the roster, he got his timing down at the plate late in camp, in part thanks to some extra at-bats he got in minor-league games during the final week of spring training.
“It’s always a process,” he said. “Some guys adapt quicker during spring training than other guys. It just so happened this spring training it was a slow process for me, but I’m there and I feel confident with where I’m at.”
Claimed off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals in early November, Hazelbaker was the first official acquisition by the Diamondbacks’ new regime. He was no stranger to new General Manager Mike Hazen and his crew, including assistant GM Amiel Sawdaye, who were in Boston when the Red Sox drafted Hazelbaker in the fourth round of the 2009 draft.
He also crossed paths in Boston with manager Torey Lovullo, who said he’s seen Hazelbaker transform from a slugger always looking to pull the ball to a hitter with a sound, all-fields approach.
“I’ve noticed it’s been a drastic change from when I last saw him,” Lovullo said. “Always loaded with talent, always very focused as an athlete, always a really, really fierce competitor. I think those are great qualities for a pinch hitter. It helps him get up for the moment.”
For Hazelbaker, 29, this is his second consecutive season in a bench role. He handled the role well last season with the Cardinals, going 11 for 41 (.268) with four homers as a pinch hitter.
He’s not alone having success off the Diamondbacks bench. Nick Ahmed has a single and a walk in two pinch-hit appearances. Daniel Descalso is 1 for 3, the lone hit coming as part of the gamewinning rally on Opening Day, a hit that drove home Hazelbaker, who entered as a pinch runner.
“These guys are walking up to home plate with a plan in how they’re going to attack what they’re getting,” Lovullo said. “They are in constant communication with the coaching staff about what role they may need to step into. I think they go up there with an empty mind without a worry, other than being prepared for the moment and execute their plan. It’s worked out very well.”