D-Backs notebook: Byrnes out of lineup to rest hamstrings

Eric Byrnes predicted it in Chicago last Sunday, when he noted that Alfonso Soriano was in a rough patch that would not last. Like Soriano, who had five more hits Saturday, Byrnes stepped away from his 6-for-62 skid with two hits Friday, including a home run.

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He was replaced in the starting lineup about 90 minutes before game time to give his balky hamstrings a day of rest Saturday, although he did get into the game as a pinch hitter in the seventh inning, walking as part of a two-run D-Backs rally.

“I had better at-bats (Friday), and I was looking forward to building on that,” Byrnes said.

“I’m still dealing with a little tightness and soreness” in both hamstrings. “It’s not a large issue. But the No. 1 thing is, we’re in this for the long haul.”

Byrnes stole 30 bases in the second half of 2007 en route to becoming the 11th major leaguer with 20 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season, and he said if he is to run again like that, “I need to be 100 percent.”

Hampered this season, Byrnes has four stolen bases in six attempts.

PEÑA WOWS AS CLOSER

All Tony Peña had to do to record his first save Friday was retire Matt Joyce, Magglio Ordonez and Miguel Cabrera, the 3-4-5 hitters in Detroit’s batting order.

“When I came out of the bullpen, I said, ‘Wow,’ ” Peña said. “You don’t want to make a mistake against them.”

Sixteen pitchers later, Peña had his first save of the season and the fourth of his career, getting two groundouts and a flyout while touching 98 mph on the stadium radar gun.

“I felt good. I like that role. I just didn’t want to walk anyone,” Peña said.

Peña was told before the game that he would be used as the closer if the right situation arose, since Brandon Lyon had pitched three consecutive days.

INTERLEAGUE STANDOUT

Randy Johnson ranks among the top pitchers in interleague play, as his 16 victories are tied for seventh place and his 2.91 ERA is sixth among pitchers with at least 100 innings.

He won his lone interleague start last season, giving up one run and four hits while striking out nine in six innings of 5-1 victory over Boston on June 10, although he threw 113 pitches and did not recover in time for his next start after his back acted up.

“Every time he goes out there, I’m encouraged he will be better,” manager Bob Melvin said.

Johnson, 287-151 in his career, can tie Tommy John for 25th place on the career victory list today. John was 288-231 in 26 major league seasons.

SHORT HOP

Chad Tracy was hitting .148 in the first seven games of his rehab assignment at Triple-A Tucson after singling Saturday, and Melvin indicated that while Tracy could join the D-Backs next weekend in Atlanta, they also would like him to be swinging well when he arrives.

“You want to make sure he’s confident when he gets here,” Melvin said.

Tracy lost 10 to 12 pounds from the flu last week, causing him to miss four games.