D-Backs notebook: Team calls up Bonifacio, Romero

Outfielder Alex Romero and highly regarded prospect Emilio Bonifacio were called up to the big league club on Friday to help give the bench a boost.

Diamondbacks fall to Padres, 5-1

Bonifacio could see time at second base — where he could replace Orlando Hudson after the season should Hudson leave via free agency — or at either corner outfield spot.

He immediately becomes the fastest player on the team and the closest thing to a prototypical leadoff hitter, although it’s doubtful he sees regular at-bats early on. When a right-hander is on the mound, the Diamondbacks will likely continue playing Conor Jackson in left and Chad Tracy at first.

“He gives us some variables we didn’t have before,” Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin said.

Relief pitcher Connor Robertson was optioned to Triple-A and Jeff Salazar was designated for assignment.

Salazar is out of options, meaning the other 29 teams have 10 days to claim him and put him on their big league roster.

If no team claims him, Salazar will have the option to report to Triple-A Tucson. He hit .202 with two homers and 10 RBIs in 99 at-bats this season.

“If he does get claimed, then he’s in the big leagues, which is good for him,” Melvin said. “If not, then hopefully he accepts the assignment, goes to Triple-A and gets some at-bats. He’s shown that he can be a guy that’s instrumental for us. … He was a guy that in the last year-plus has fit in very well here. It’s a difficult one to have to pull the trigger on.”

Bonifacio, a natural infielder, first started playing the outfield in winter ball, but practiced the position in spring training and in the minor leagues.

“I worked the whole winter in the outfield, so I feel comfortable,” Bonifacio said.

Bonifacio entered Friday’s game as a pinch runner for Chad Tracy and stole third base, but was left stranded.

CHANGES COMING?

Melvin continued to be vague regarding a potential starting rotation shift, but said “I may do something different.”

Micah Owings has been available in relief the past two days, but it is still unclear who will get the start on Tuesday.

The D-Backs have a day off Monday, so either Owings, Yusmeiro Petit or Brandon Webb could get the ball. Webb would be on regular rest but Melvin has preferred giving his starters an extra day off when given the chance.

SHORT HOP

Juan Cruz could see a more prominent role in the bullpen with the recent struggles of Chad Qualls. An oblique injury has slowed Cruz of late, but he pitched on Thursday with no ill effects.

Qualls, who to this point came into games in the seventh inning when the Diamondbacks held a lead, has struggled and Melvin said he might need to pitch a game in a lower-pressure situation.