PHOENIX – As his struggles continue to mount, reliever Jon Rauch’s days as the club’s seventh-inning setup man appear to be nearing an end.
Manager Bob Melvin seemed to indicate as much Wednesday when he said Tom Gordon will assume a prominent role in the bullpen upon his activation from the 15-day disabled list.
And that could come in just a few days, following the veteran right-hander’s third rehab appearance as he gets stronger from off-season elbow surgery. Melvin said Gordon likely would pitch in one more game for Triple-A Reno, Nev., before joining the Diamondbacks’ staff.
“We could certainly use him,” Melvin said. “He’s a guy that once he comes back, probably will be pitching in a prominent role for us.”
Melvin isn’t about to change things with closer Chad Qualls and eighth-inning setup man Tony Peña, meaning Rauch likely will be more of a mop-up middle reliever as Gordon assumes more of a late-inning role.
Rauch has allowed eight earned runs in six innings of relief, giving him an ERA of 12.00. He went 0-6 with a 6.56 ERA for the D’backs last season following his trade from the Nationals.
Short hops
• Bench coach Kirk Gibson missed Wednesday’s game because of the flu.
• All-Star ballots were announced Wednesday and the Diamondbacks’ usual everyday lineup is on it: catcher Chris Snyder, first baseman Chad Tracy, second baseman Felipe Lopez, shortstop Stephen Drew, third baseman Mark Reynolds, left fielder Conor Jackson, center fielder Chris Young and right fielder Justin Upton.