D-Backs talk internally about Barry Bonds

WASHINGTON - With a stated need to improve against right-handed pitching, the Diamondbacks have had internal discussions regarding free agent Barry Bonds. Players also have brought up Bonds' name as a potential offensive booster.

Webb pitches D-Backs past Nationals, 2-0

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And while it may be a good time to pursue Bonds since he would seem to have something to prove after being bypassed this offseason, it is unclear how far the D-Backs will go, even after learning Tuesday that Eric Byrnes is almost certain to miss the remainder of the regular season regardless of whether he needs surgery for his torn left hamstring.

Byrnes is to receive another MRI on Thursday, but "either way, that's probably the case," general manager Josh Byrnes said of losing him for the season. "We'll make a decision in the next few days."

It remains to be seen how the D-Backs will react to the recent acquisitions by NL Central contenders Milwaukee and Chicago of ace pitchers CC Sabathia and Rich Harden, respectively.

One pitcher who appears eminently available is left-hander Erik Bedard of Seattle.

The D-Backs appear more inclined to attempt to address an offense that has sunk to a .246 team batting average. With a predominately right-handed lineup, they are 26-32 against right-handed starters and 19-13 against lefties.

"Someone who can help us against right-handed pitching" is more of a probability if the D-Backs make a move before the July 31 trade deadline, Josh Byrnes said.

"(Bonds) and a couple of others are sitting out there," Byrnes said. "I don't want to talk about him, specifically. There is no one obvious option. There are a lot of considerations."

Bonds' baggage would factor into any decision. Bonds, Kenny Lofton and Jay Gibbons are among the left-handed hitting outfielders who are available.

With Eric Byrnes out, Conor Jackson will start in left field and Chad Tracy at first base when the D-Backs face a right-hander. Chris Burke and Emilio Bonifacio are left-field options against lefties.

NO SURGERY FOR GONZALEZ

After receiving a second opinion from Dr. Lewis Yocum, Edgar Gonzalez has opted against surgery on his sprained right elbow ligament suffered June 27.

"It's going to be four, six weeks before he's going to be able to play catch again," manager Bob Melvin said. "Anything could happen in that time period, but that's the option he's chosen to take."

Yusmeiro Petit, who gave up one run in six innings in an emergency start for Micah Owings last Wednesday, will fill the long-relief role vacated by Gonzalez, who is 1-3 with a 6.00 ERA.

SHORT HOPS

Owings is scheduled to make his first start in 12 days against Washington today, and to say he is ready is an understatement. "It seems like it's been forever. It usually does with an off day, and I've skipped a turn," said Owings, forced to miss because of a gluteus maximus muscle injury suffered June 27. "I think we made the right decision."

Chris Snyder (testicular fracture) played catch at Nationals Park before the game Tuesday and plans to take swings today. "Day to day, it's a steady progression," said Snyder, eligible to come off the disabled list after the All-Star break. He is likely to need several rehab games before returning to the team.