D-Backs notebook: Dunn rebuts ex-teammate's claims

DENVER - When Adam Dunn was traded, former teammate Bronson Arroyo said he could understand it because Cincinnati could not afford him.

"He was going to be moved no matter what," Arroyo told the Cincinnati Enquirer.

D-Backs' late rally falls short vs. Rockies

"I don't know if he told (the media), but it was no secret to us that he was looking for a $100 (million) to $120 million contract. I don't think this franchise is going to give out that kind of money."

Dunn had a quick rebuttal.

"I don't know where that number would come from. False information, that's all I can say," Dunn said.

"That makes me look like a jackass. You never hear players talking about money. I don't think about the offseason. Me and my agent don't even talk about numbers."

Dunn's contract expires after this season, and he is likely to move to another team since the D-Backs appear set at the corner outfield spots with Eric Byrnes and Justin Upton. "I'm in the present. I'll worry about that when the time comes," Dunn said.

LINEUP SHUFFLE

Chris Young hit second Wednesday, moving up against Colorado left-hander Jeff Francis. Young has hit second five of the last six times the D-Backs have faced a lefty, in part because of his .299 batting average against them.

"I'd like to hit him higher, period," manager Bob Melvin said. "With Orlando (Hudson) gone, I need somebody up top who can run a little bit. I'd like to get him going."

Young is hitting .208 against right-handers.

Young was 1-for-4 with an RBI single and a walk, although he struck out with runners on second and third for the second out of the ninth against lefty Brian Fuentes.

SLATEN ACTIVATED

Doug Slaten joined the D-Backs on Wednesday after missing 25 days while recovering from a strained right knee suffered in his appearance against the Dodgers on July 18.

Slaten jumped for a high chopper by Nomar Garciaparra in the eighth inning and landed awkwardly, causing a sharp pain.

"When I came down something popped, some scar tissue or something," said Slaten, who had offseason surgery on his right knee.

The D-Backs optioned Billy Buckner back to Triple-A Tucson. He was 1-0 with a 4.00 ERA in six appearances over two stints.

The D-Backs do not have a true long reliever in the bullpen, and with a major league-high 71 quality starts have seldom needed one.

SHORT HOPS

There are conflicting reports out of Cincinnati regarding Micah Owings' status. One newspaper report said Owings, going to the Reds as part of the Dunn deal, had been placed on waivers but recalled by the D-Backs because he was claimed before he got to the Reds. An mlb.com report said Owings had not been placed on waivers. If he does not clear waivers, he cannot be traded to the Reds until after the regular season ends. ...

The D-Backs have begun negotiations with 12th-round draft pick Daniel Webb, who has signed a letter of intent to attend the University of Kentucky. Webb, no relation to Brandon Webb, is among a group of Kentucky recruits that is considered one of the best in school history. Webb was in the Valley during the Atlanta series last week for medical tests and to take a tour of Chase Field. The deadline for 2008 draft picks to sign is Friday. ...

Justin Upton went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI while playing for Tucson on Wednesday.

Today's game

When: 12:05 p.m.

Where: Coors Field, Denver

TV/Radio: FSN Arizona/KTAR (620 AM)

Line: Arizona 135-145

Records: Diamondbacks 61-59, Colorado 54-68

Pitchers: Arizona's Dan Haren (12-6, 3.00 ERA) gave up a season-high six runs in 5 1/3 innings in his last start against Atlanta, although two scored after he left the game. He beat the Rockies at Chase Field in April, his first career victory over them.

Colorado's Glendon Rusch (5-3, 5.22) will make an emergency start for Aaron Cook, who was scratched because of a balky lower back. Rusch has won his last four decisions and has made six consecutive starts giving up three runs or less. He is 5-2 against the D-Backs. Adam Dunn has six homers in 27 at-bats against him.