INSIDE PITCH
For better or for worse, the Diamondbacks removed infielder Alberto Callaspo from the restricted list and put him back on the 25-man active
roster.
Where the versatile Callaspo stands with his wife could be another
story.
Nevertheless, after being arrested, but still not formally charged,
for allegedly shoving and kicking his spouse earlier this month,
Callaspo was back in familiar surroundings after the players' union field a
grievance on his behalf and the Diamondbacks chose to activate him
rather than optioning him to the minors or designating him for assignment.
The Diamondbacks said they checked into the matter fully and were
convinced that after Callaspo met with a counselor -- she recommended he
undergo further counseling -- he was fit to return and be given a
second chance.
The Diamondbacks desperately needed a true backup infielder with
experience and Callaspo is the only other one on the 40-man roster.
In a statement upon rejoining his teammates for their game in
Pittsburgh on May 19 when he was activated, Callaspo showed contrition to
everyone, it seemed, but his wife.
"I look forward to putting this unfortunate matter behind us," he
said, "and focusing on helping my teammate win on the field again. I
apologize to the players, the organization and our fans for any distraction
this may have caused."
According to police reports, Callaspo is alleged to have had
previous altercations with his wife, which included visits by the authorities.
In one incident, it was alleged that he cut his wife with a knife.
"We collected the pertinent information and offered Alberto the
services of a counselor," Diamondbacks President Derrick Hall said. "The
expert met with Alberto and found the player fit for work but recommended
he undergo counseling. Alberto and the club have agreed to the
recommended counseling. I am proud of the manner in which our entire staff has
handled this sensitive situation."
How will it all play out in the clubhouse? Manager Bob Melvin met
privately with Callaspo on the player's return and said he thinks there
will be no problems whatsoever.
"I've talked individually and in small groups with our guys and
they're aware of the situation," Melvin said. "He probably will
individually talk to guys. His statement speaks for itself and I don't think he
needs to get up and say anything to his teammates right now."
DIAMONDBACKS 5, PIRATES 2: Veteran left-hander Randy Johnson struck
out 10 more batters on Sunday, giving him 28 punch-outs in his past
three starts in winning for the second time in a row as Arizona won two of
three against Pittsburgh at PNC Park and finished a nine-game trip with
a 5-4 mark.
Johnson, 43, had 10 strikeouts this time in going 5 2/3 innings. He
allowed two runs and seven hits during a 102-pitch outing. In his last
start, Johnson was lifted after a 79-pitch outing in Colorado in which
he struck out nine and faced the minimum number of hitters during a
six-inning outing.
"It keeps getting better and better," Diamondbacks manager Bob
Melvin said. "To me, this time, he was into the flow quicker than the past
couple of times, (when) you saw the velocity climb. You saw it right
away today, and that's a good sign."
The win was Johnson's 282nd of his career, putting him one shy of
tying Jim Kaat for 29th on the all-time list and 18 shy of reaching the
300-win milestone. His 209th career double-digit strikeout game leaves
him six shy of tying Nolan Ryan for first overall.
NOTES, QUOTES
--INF Jason Smith, claimed off waivers from Toronto, was designated
for assignment after the Diamondbacks removed INF Alberto Callaspo from
the restricted list. It was the second time within a week Smith had
been designated for assignment.
"I feel bad for him," manager Bob Melvin said. "He really looked
like he had a chance to be a pretty good fit here. We wish him the best. I
don't know what's going to happen with him paperwork-wise if he does
clear. He's got some decisions to make. I hope he gets picked up by a
big-league team, because he's got something to offer."
--OF Eric Byrnes had his 12-game hitting streak snapped on Saturday
at Pittsburgh, but he went 2-for-4 on Sunday.
--The Diamondbacks went 15 games without scoring five or more runs,
tying a club record set in 2003. The streak ended May 18 in Pittsburgh
during an 11-5 loss.
--RF Carlos Quentin, after going 2-for-22 during the first nine
games of a 10-game road trip, said he has tried "eight million" different
batting stances to try and shake out of his season-long slump, which
left him with a .185 average entering the week.
He said he's swung the bat well enough in recent at-bats to pick up
multiple hits, but just didn't get the results.
"That's why you love the game and hate the game at the same time,"
he said.
--Manager Bob Melvin on LHP Randy Johnson's sore back: "I think
progressively, he'll get better the farther along we go. It's just
something he's going to have to work through."
--Through their first 44 games, the Diamondbacks had allowed
opponents to score in the first inning 18 times, which was tied for the major
league lead.
BY THE NUMBERS: 6 -- Run deficit the Diamondbacks made up on May 19
at PNC Park in Pittsburgh after falling behind 7-1 before rallying for
a 9-8 victory, tying the franchise record for the largest comeback win.
Arizona also rallied from a six-run deficit on two other occasions --
July 15, 1998 against visiting San Francisco, and May 2 last year
against the visiting Dodgers.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "He hasn't just been good with his defense. It's been
phenomenal at times." -- Manager Bob Melvin on rookie infielder Mark Reynolds, who joined the Diamondbacks after being promoted from Class AA
Mobile when third baseman Chad Tracy was placed on the disabled list.
MEDICAL WATCH:
CF Chris Young (right groin strain) was injured May 18 and was
expected to be out three days.
RHP Edgar Gonzalez (left groin strain) came out of the game May 18
and was being evaluated.
OF Scott Hairston (sore left wrist) was hurt May 16 and didn't play
May 17-18.
3B Chad Tracy (rib cage strain) went on the disabled list on May 16.
OF Jeff DaVanon (left ankle, right shoulder surgery) opened the
season on the disabled list. He has been rehabbing in extended spring
training.