Outfielder Peralta returns to Arizona’s lineup
Outfielder David Peralta has been itching to return to the Diamondbacks’ starting lineup, but has also been cautious about returning too soon. He didn’t want any lingering issues with his shoulder, which first landed him on the injured list on May 24.
After giving manager Torey Lovullo the go-ahead following a good round of batting practice, Peralta was activated in time for Arizona’s series opener against the division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers Monday at Chase Field.
Peralta was back in left field and hitting out of the No. 3 hole, which was a relief for Lovullo.
“It was a good moment for David to test it out during BP and have him walk over to me and tell me he’s ready to go,” Lovullo said before Monday’s game.
“I know what he means to this team. I know what he means to this lineup. His energy, his presence were missed and they’re much-needed. You can see how it stretches out our lineup and gives us a little bit more balance. I think that’s going to help us out, help us win some baseball games.”
Peralta entered Monday with a team-high .309 average, despite the injured-list stint. In 46 games, he has 16 doubles, two triples, seven home runs, 28 runs scored and 30 RBIs.
Lovullo added that in addition to Peralta’s contributions on the field, he has become one of the team’s leaders. It was an area where the Diamondbacks had a void after first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, the face of the franchise, was traded during the offseason.
“I sat down with David several weeks before spring training and asked him if he was willing to embrace that role and he assured me he was and it would be something he could handle,” Lovullo said.
“I pull leaders aside quite a bit. I have greater expectations for them. I’m more challenging, a little bit tougher on the leaders because they’re the ones I want to make sure (are) in line and doing things the right way and because of that they’re being scrutinized a little more and there is pressure that comes with that. They have to be a bigger voice inside the clubhouse.”
Crichton optioned
To make room for Peralta, righthanded relief pitcher Stefon Crichton was dispatched back to Triple-A Reno. Crichton, who came over from the Orioles organization a year ago, pitched 2 2/3 innings over four appearances, giving up just a hit and striking out three.
He pitched a scoreless inning in Sunday’s 7-1 win over the Mets. Lovullo was encouraged by his brief stint with the club.
“Stef came in here and did an outstanding job. Those are great moments for us to see him come from another organization, step in, begin to trust and build some faith in what we’re telling him,” he said. “He goes out and executes a great game plan in the minor leagues and finds himself back in the big leagues. Being optioned out wasn’t anything he planned on but he did a great job and we’ll see him again.”
The Diamondbacks had been carrying an extra pitcher after some extrainning games, as well as issues with starting pitchers who have not been able to work deep into games.
Lovullo said he prefers to have an extra position player, which gives him more flexibility when it comes to lategame moves.
“It gives me a little more freedom to do something twice rather than once and gives the team great balance. I think for now we’re going to stand pat with this format,” he said.
Short hops
Entering Monday, the Diamondbacks lead the majors with a fielding percentage of .991, a tad ahead of Kansas City (.990), Tampa Bay (.989) and Cincinnati (.989). Arizona has committed just two errors in the past 18 games . ... The Diamondbacks are also first when it comes to stolen base percentage at 88.6 percent (31 for 35). The New York Yankees are second (80) with the Nationals, Cardinals and Dodgers tied for third (78.6). Arizona was been successful on 20 of its past 21 tries with Jarrod Dyson leading the team with 12 steals. He leads the National League and ranks fifth in all of baseball.