Diamondbacks lose to Nationals

Diamondbacks pitcher Zack Godley pitches against the Nationals on Sunday.

The Diamondbacks have initiated round three of filling their vacated fifth rotation spot.

After right-hander Troy Scribner lasted just 3 2/3 innings and walked six batters in a losing effort on Saturday against the Washington Nationals, the search is underway for the next candidate to take the job.

Right-hander Kris Medlen, who was pounded for seven runs over four innings against the Houston Astros on May 4, got the first crack. Left-hander Robbie Ray, whose oblique injury opened the hole in the rotation, just picked up a baseball on Saturday and does not seem close to a return.

For now, the Diamondbacks will be creative with the roster spot. Because of an off day on Thursday, they do not need a fifth starter until May 22 in Milwaukee. With Scribner being optioned to Triple-A Reno prior to Sunday’s game, that spot is currently occupied by right-hander Jimmie Sherfy to provide an extra arm in the bullpen.

“I think the off days and having the extra reliever will benefit us as long as we can use that spot effectively to give ourselves a chance to win on any given day,” General Manager Mike Hazen said.

The Diamondbacks have two more off days this month on May 24 and 31, which could allow the club more flexibility in maneuvering its rotation.

“Even in that stretch of off days, we’ll probably still have to use (the roster spot), but we may be able to use it creatively,” Hazen said.

All that being said, the Diamondbacks have some time to figure out who will get the third crack at the rotation spot. Right-hander Taylor Clarke is one of the more intriguing options at Reno, especially given that he has allowed just five runs over his past three starts and has struck out 20 in his past 19 innings.

Clarke, 25, was a third-round pick in 2015 and came into the season under consideration as a midseason pitching option for the Diamondbacks. His recent success may have moved up his timeline.

“It’s starting to put him in the conversation,” Hazen said of Clarke. “I don’t know that we’re ready to go there just yet, but we’re not ruling it out. We have to make sure that we’re taking care of things up here, as well as doings things right by him.”

There is also veteran right-hander Clay Buchholz, whom the club inked to a minor-league deal on May 4. The longtime Boston Red Sox standout has made two starts with Reno, totaling 11 2/3 innings and having allowed seven runs while striking out 10.

“He’s down in Triple-A and throwing the ball well,” Hazen said of Buchholz. “He’s right in the mix of those guys that we’re talking about.”

Lamb hits the field

Third baseman Jake Lamb began his rehab assignment on Sunday with Single-A Visalia, going 0 for 3 and playing third base in a 3-2 loss for the Rawhide in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

Lamb lined out to center field in his first at-bat and also grounded into a double play. He left two runners on base in his three at-bats.

Hazen said he wasn’t sure how long Lamb’s rehab assignment will last.

“I don’t think we’re expecting it to be too long,” Hazen said.