D-Backs notebook: Upton won’t play in Philadelphia

WASHINGTON - The Diamondbacks’ offense took another hit with the loss of Justin Upton on Thursday.

D-Backs blow 2 leads before winning 7-5 in 11

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Upton was held out of the lineup for the second straight game with a strained left oblique muscle, and the D-Backs plan to keep him out for the rest of the road trip, manager Bob Melvin said.

“We’ll reevaluate it during the All-Star break,” Melvin said.

Upton’s loss means the D-Backs will be without two of their top six run producers, including Chris Snyder, for a weekend series at hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, their last series before the All-Star break.

Upton, who has a six-game hitting streak, is fourth on the team with 11 home runs and sixth with 31 RBIs.

Snyder, who has seven homers and 33 RBIs, is not eligible to return from the disabled list until after the All-Star break.

“They know what it takes to get me healthy, so whatever they want to do,” Upton said.

The D-Backs plan no immediate personnel moves, Melvin said, although he noted that returning a relief pitcher to Triple-A Tucson if adding a hitter becomes necessary is an option, since the bullpen will have three days off after Sunday.

REYNOLDS HARD ON HIMSELF

Mark Reynolds praised the relief corps for preventing his three-error game from becoming cause for a loss.

He made two fielding errors in the ninth inning, the first permitting two runs to score, but Brandon Lyon kept the potential winning run on third to keep the game alive.

“I tried to mess it up. They picked me up tonight,” Reynolds said. “It was a tough night. I got a couple of in-between hops. That’s the way it goes.”

Reynolds’ 19 errors — 18 at third and one at first — lead the majors.

TONY CLARK COMING BACK?

Struggling San Diego has made Tony Clark available, according to a report out of San Diego, and sources indicate the D-Backs could be interested in re-acquiring him in his dual role as pinch-hitter/clubhouse presence.

Clark spent the previous three years with the D-Backs and had hoped to return in 2008, but the sides could not agree on a contract over the winter and he signed a one-year, $900,000 deal with the Padres that includes a $500,000 bonus if he is traded.

SHORT HOPS

Snyder caught Webb’s bullpen session before Thursday’s game, the first time he has been behind the plate since suffering his testicular fracture July 1.

The D-Backs’ game against Atlanta at Chase Field on Aug. 9 has been taken off the Fox national schedule and will start at 5:10 p.m. instead of 12:55 p.m. It will be telecast by FSN Arizona.