SAN DIEGO — The Diamondbacks are giving the ball to reliever Taylor Clarke to start their crucial bullpen game against the San Diego Padres here Saturday night, Sept. 26, at Petco Park.
For Clarke, this will be his second start this season. He also started a bullpen game on Sept. 2 vs. the Philadelphia Phillies on a day the Diamondbacks won, 1-0.
With two games to play in the chase for the final wild-card spot in the National League, the Diamondbacks are one game back of the Phillies, whose game is in a rain delay before the first pitch.
Adrian Del Castillo recalled to add catching depth
With catcher Gabriel Moreno nursing a hamstring injury — he exited the series opener in the seventh inning after feeling discomfort running the bases — the Diamondbacks recalled catcher Adrian Del Castillo from
Triple-A Reno to make sure they have coverage at the position.
Moreno is expected to serve as the designated hitter on Saturday night.
To make room on the roster for Del Castillo, the club designated outfielder Jesus Sanchez for assignment.
Sanchez, who was claimed off waivers the previous homestand, went just 2 for 15 in six games for the Diamondbacks, who took on more than $400,000 in salary when they claimed him from the Blue Jays on Sept. 14.
Diamondbacks at Padres, 5:40 p.m., Cox, Ch. 34
Diamondbacks RHP Taylor Clarke (2-4, 2.86) vs. Padres RHP Walker Buehler (9-6, 4.56).
At Petco Park: This was supposed to be RHP Corbin Burnes’ spot in the rotation, but he landed on the injured list on Friday due to right shoulder inflammation. ... RHP Brandon Pfaadt's 7 2/3-inning outing on Friday night, along with 11 runs from the offense, allowed the Diamondbacks to avoid using all of their top relievers. ... In addition to Clarke, they figure to blow through their bullpen in this one, perhaps getting multi-inning outings from the likes of LHP Brandyn Garcia, RHP Jonathan Loaisiga, RHP Juan Morillo and RHP Kevin Ginkel. RHP Justin Martinez also should be available. ... If the club needs length, RHP Jose Cabrera took Burnes' place on the roster and is stretched out. ... Buehler pitched well against the Marlins in his most recent start, giving up three runs in 6 2/3 innings. ... He has allowed eight runs in nine innings across two starts against the Diamondbacks this season. ... SS Geraldo Perdomo homered off Buehler on July 6 at Petco Park.
Coming up
Sunday, Sept. 27: At Petco Park, 12:10 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Michael Soroka (9-5, 3.31) vs. Padres TBA.
Regular season ends.
(This story has been updated to add information.)
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Diamondbacks vs Padres live. Reliever to start as playoff chase resumes
