LOS ANGELES – In their search for a replacement for starter Robbie Ray, the Diamondbacks are moving to Plan C. As for who that is, however, manager Torey Lovullo wasn’t ready to say.
“This has kind of thrown everything in a little bit of chaos when it comes to the rotation,” Lovullo said. “We’re back to the drawing board right now.”
On Tuesday, right-hander Braden Shipley, who appeared to be the leading candidate to move into the rotation, landed on the disabled list with right elbow inflammation.
Shipley was expected to take over for right-hander Kris Medlen, who got the first chance to replace Ray but was hit hard by the Houston Astros on Friday.
Medlen was immediately optioned to Triple-A Reno after his start and replaced on the roster by Shipley. But Shipley felt discomfort after throwing on the side on Sunday and was sent for an MRI, Lovullo said.
“The MRI showed that he was OK and there was some inflammation in there,” Lovullo said. “He got (a cortisone) injection to help him get over the hump. He’s going to be down for a couple of days with no throwing. We’ll see where he’s at after that.”
As for what’s next, that remains to be seen. Right-hander Taylor Clarke threw on Monday for Triple-A Reno, meaning he wouldn’t be available to pitch until Saturday.
As it turns out, because of Monday’s off day, the Diamondbacks can move right-handers Zack Greinke and Matt Koch up a day and don’t need a fifth starter until Saturday.
In seven starts with Reno, Clarke has a 5.91 ERA, though he has posted solid results the past two times out, giving up four earned runs in 12 innings with four walks and 11 strikeouts.
Left-hander T.J. McFarland was also thought to be an option, but there were indications he will remain where he is as the long reliever.
Assistant General Manager Jared Porter said recently added right-hander Clay Buchholz is not yet an option at the big-league level. Buchholz, who signed a minor-league deal on Friday, was scheduled to make his first start for Reno on Tuesday night.
Not needed
The Diamondbacks’ rotation continues to be tested, but the club doesn’t appear to be searching hard for help. Porter was asked if he thinks the Diamondbacks need to look externally for starting pitching.
“I don’t, no,” Porter said. “I think we have confidence in those pitchers we have down there. We like the starters we have up here. The team continues to play well and play good defense. I don’t think we’re at the point where we have to consider something like that.”
Asked specifically about right-hander Matt Harvey, whom the Mets traded to the Reds on Tuesday, Porter said the club considers every available player but didn’t show “significant interest” in Harvey.
Short hops
- Taking Shipley’s place on the roster is reliever Silvino Bracho, who is back after just a four-day stint in the minors. Bracho has given up one run in six innings, with three walks and 10 strikeouts, in four outings for the Diamondbacks this season.
- Right-hander Shelby Miller, who is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, will pitch three innings in a simulated game on Friday, Lovullo said.
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Reach Piecoro at (602) 444-8680 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @nickpiecoro.