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April 5, 2008 - 11:54PM
Gonzalez in rotation for 2 months
Jack Magruder, Tribune
DENVER - As the Diamondbacks’ starting rotation begins a transition, Edgar Gonzalez will make the first of what could be two months’ worth of starts today.
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When Randy Johnson returns to the D-Backs after either one or two more rehab starts, he will fill the spot vacated by Doug Davis, who will pitch Tuesday before his thyroid cancer surgery Thursday.
That would seem to leave Gonzalez in the rotation until Davis returns sometime in May, as doctors said an expected recovery time for thyroid surgery is four to six weeks.
“I’m not thinking about that,” Gonzalez said.
“I just want to throw well and do what I can to help the team to win. Whatever (manager) Bob (Melvin) says, I’m going to be ready for that.”
The D-Backs have not announced too much of their rotation, and Melvin said before Saturday’s game that Johnson might take two more rehab starts after throwing 78 pitches for Tucson on Thursday.
Johnson is scheduled to start for the Sidewinders on Tuesday, and Melvin said the April 14 date targeted for Johnson’s return to the major leagues is not firm.
“We’ll see what next time out holds as far as pitches and innings,” Melvin said.
“I’ve never been married to a certain date. We forecast certain dates, but if he feels like physically he needs anther one, depending on how many pitches he throws, we can do that as well.”
Johnson has pitched 15 1/3 innings this spring, counting a minor league game. The D-Backs’ other starting pitchers threw in the mid-20s, including minor league games.
Gonzalez and Dan Haren are on track to start the games against Colorado on April 12-13.
If Johnson takes two more rehab starts, the D-backs would need a spot start April 15, with Yusmeiro Petit a possible candidate.
They would not need another start from a fifth starter until April 22, by which time Johnson is expected to return.
Gonzalez “is absolutely ready” to join the starting rotation, pitching coach Bryan Price said, adding, “nothing is written in stone, but there could be some opportunity for him.”
SHORT HOPS: Micah Owings got ahead in the count on 17 of the 24 batters he faced in his 8-1 victory Friday. By doing so, Owings can make hitters chase his high fastball, which has been a strikeout pitch in his first two seasons. ...
The D-Backs have put a runner on base in each of the 18 innings of the Colorado series after being one-hit in Cincinnati on Thursday.
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