D-Backs notebook: Davis finds positives despite an 'F’ in 'B’ game

TUCSON - Doug Davis used his rocky appearance Tuesday to gauge his mental toughness.

Davis faced 18 batters in a “B” game against the Chicago White Sox but got just three of them out, giving up 10 hits and four walks against a loaded lineup that included White Sox starters Jim Thome, Jermaine Dye, Juan Uribe and Tad Iguchi and also former D-Back Junior Spivey, a minor league invitee.

Dye’s bases-empty home run in the fourth inning was one of eight straight hits against Davis, the D-Backs’ likely starter for the third game of regular season April 4 at Colorado.

“The result was terrible, but I got my work in and I felt healthy,” said Davis, who made 63 pitches.

“It was a good day to see how strong I could stay without being frustrated. My arm felt good. My location was good. I felt like the low strike wasn’t there for me. These are the days you have to be mentally tough. Today was kind of a beat-down, but it’s one of those days. You just have to go on from there.”

Davis, struck in the forearm the last time he pitched, admitted to some fatigue in the days following but said that did not bother him Tuesday.

“It can be difficult getting up for those games over there. We are looking at pitches and health,” manager Bob Melvin said.

COMPETITION HEATS UP

The competition for the final spots on the pitching staff and the last one (or two) position players will come under more scrutiny following today’s off day, Melvin said.

“The finish line is in sight after the off day, and it makes for a little more of a competitive atmosphere,” Melvin said. “You focus on getting your club ready.”

Scott Hairston, Robby Hammock, Dave Krynzel and Brian Barden are competing for what would be two position player spots if Jeff DaVanon, as feared, opens the season on the disabled list.

Hairston had six extra-base hits in his past eight at-bats while raising hit batting average to .375.

“I’m trying to do my part. That’s all I can do. I think I belong,” said Hairston, who is out of his options, regarding his roster battle.

With Randy Johnson also to open the season on the disabled list, the D-Backs will have two openings for a group that includes Edgar Gonzalez, Enrique Gonzalez, Dana Eveland, Dustin Nippert, Micah Owings and Evan MacLane.

“We start looking at it harder. Once a pitcher goes through a lineup two or three times, you see how they made adjustments the second time around,” Melvin said.

“Your 4-5 (starters) are competing against each other. Then when Randy comes back, who stays? Once somebody takes that job, they have to maintain it with the big fellow coming back.”

SHORT HOPS

The D-Backs got down to 43 players after Tuesday’s game by optioning Emilio Bonifacio, Carlos Gonzalez, Evan MacLane, Jailen Peguero, Danny Richar and Alex Romero and reassigning Adam Bass, Wilkin Castillo and Justin Upton to the minor league camp. “Gonzalez is going to be a heck of a player,” Melvin said. “He has a chance to be an all-star. Bonifacio opens up some eyes in this camp with his speed. That’s a dynamic we haven’t had in awhile, a true 50-stolen base guy.” …

Doug Slaten, who suffered a bruised left forearm when he was hit by a line drive Monday, still was red and swollen Tuesday and will get a couple of days off, Melvin said …

The D-Backs have not made their rotation plans known after opening day starter Brandon Webb, but Melvin said “there is an excellent chance” that Livan Hernandez will start the second game of the regular season.