Chris Snyder became the Diamondbacks’ sixth catcher this season when his contract was purchased Wednesday from Class AA El Paso.

Snyder replaced Koyie Hill, who went on the disabled list and is out for the season because of a sprained and fractured ankle suffered Tuesday.

With Hill out, manager Al Pedrique said, Juan Brito will take over as the No. 1 catcher.

“I've got to pick my spots to give Brito a day off,” Pedrique said, “and little by little get Snyder in there, get his feet wet, get him comfortable.”

Brito, an excellent defensive catcher, is hitting just .176 with 30 strikeouts in 131 at-bats.

Arizona promoted Snyder over Class AAA Tucson's Craig Ansman because of defense. Ansman is considered a subpar defender, while Snyder is a good receiver.

“Right now we need a guy behind the plate who is solid receiving, blocking and throwing runners out,” Pedrique said. “We need to find out what Snyder can do.”

Snyder, 23, was Arizona's second-round pick in 2002 out of the University of Houston. In 99 games this year with El Paso, he batted .201 with 15 homers (but just one in his past 27 games), 31 doubles and 57 RBIs.

“I was shocked,” said Snyder, the first player promoted directly from Class AA to the Diamondbacks since reliever Duaner Sanchez in June 2002.

Arizona, Kansas City and Florida are the only teams to have started five different catchers this year (at least until Snyder joins Brito, Hill, Bobby Estalella, Brent Mayne and Robby Hammock).

The D-Backs have suited up 47 different players this season, matching the 1998 total and one short of the team record set in 2001. They have 14 players on the disabled list and have used the DL a total of 24 times for 20 different players.

ZINTER ACTIVATED

To bolster their pinch hitting, the D-Backs after Wednesday's game announced they would activate Alan Zinter from the disabled list and option Tim Olson to Tucson.

Zinter had been out since mid-June because of an arch injury and was on a rehabilitation assignment with Tucson. Olson had a .186 average in 48 games and was in slumps of 0-for-13 and 7-for-51.

HILL CHECKED OUT

Hill, who suffered his injury in a home-plate collision with Pittsburgh's Ty Wigginton, will likely not need surgery. Foot specialist Pete Mitchell said Hill's ankle feels stable, but he will be re-evaluated in a week.

Hill ran into Wigginton — this time, not literally — as they both arrived at the park Wednesday and they had a friendly conversation. Neither Hill nor Pedrique thought Wigginton's actions were dirty.

ON HOLD

Negotiations on a contract extension for first baseman Richie Sexson, who is eligible for free agency after the season, will resume Sept. 2. Agent Casey Close is scheduled to come to Phoenix that day for face-to-face bargaining.

The D-Backs sent six players to Milwaukee for Sexson, pitcher Shane Nance and a minor leaguer, but Sexson played in only 23 games before requiring surgery to repair a torn left labrum. He makes $8.6 million this season.

SHORT HOPS

Catcher Robby Hammock, on the disabled list because of a sore left knee, is scheduled to take batting practice Friday. Hammock on Sunday will have the fifth and final in a series of injections to lubricate the knee. Pedrique said Hammock may be better suited to a utility position than primary catcher.

“Maybe offensively we can get more out of him in that role,” Pedrique said.  . . .

Because of today's off day, Edgar Gonzalez's next start is not until Tuesday, which left him available in relief Wednesday.  . . . Andrew Good's next outing on his injury rehabilitation assignment will be Friday for Tucson.  . . .

Greg Colbrunn, recovering from right wrist surgery, may be able to take batting practice within a week.  . . . Reliever Matt Mantei, recovering from shoulder surgery, began upper-body weight work this week. The team does not expect him to pitch again this season.