D-Backs recall Braden Shipley for bullpen help

DOUG HALLER

With a thin bullpen, the Diamondbacks recalled right-hander Braden Shipley from Triple-A Reno before Tuesday’s game.

“What that role is right now we’re not exactly sure,” manager Torey Lovullo said of Shipley’s relief duties. “It might change day by day. For today, he’s going to give us a little length.’’

Shipley this season has had two spot starts for the Diamondbacks, going 0-1 with a 7.00 ERA. In 12 starts in Reno, he is 5-3 with a 4.58 ERA. In May, he was Reno’s Pitcher of the Month.

To make room, the Diamondbacks optioned right-hander Silvino Bracho to Reno after Monday night’s win over the Phillies.

“Unfortunately, with what we were doing with Randall (Delgado), it left us a little thin in the bullpen,” said Lovullo, referring to using Delgado as a replacement starter.

Delgado threw 75 pitches in Sunday’s win over Philadelphia and is unavailable for bullpen work.

“We’re fortunate we have quality arms that we can call up,” Lovullo said.

In a separate move, the Diamondbacks outrighted catcher Oscar Hernandez to Double-A Jackson. Hernandez was designated for assignment Friday. Outfielder A.J. Pollock, out since May 15 with a strained right groin, is on a rehab stint in Triple-A Reno. Outfielder Yasmany Tomas is out with right groin tendinitis. Lovullo offered updates on each: Pollock: “I feel like if he can play seven innings, he should be able to play nine innings, so seven innings probably is a little bit more of what I might be looking for as far as clearance. The most important thing is how he’s feeling so the feedback he gives to the medical team in Reno is important. I want to have a number of at-bats where he’s going to be able to run through first base and make turns and not think about his leg.’’

Tomas: “I know he’s very eager to keep taking the next step. And when you’re an injured athlete and you’re coming back from that, that’s a good place. That’s a good spot to be in.’’