Reynolds
PHOENIX – Yes, that was Mark Reynolds starting at first base on Sunday against the Nationals.
No, it isn’t a sign of things to come regarding a position change.
For now, new manager A.J. Hinch is calling it a one-game decision. It primarily was made because the team was facing a left-handed starting pitcher and wanted as many right-handed bats in the lineup as possible.
With Conor Jackson unavailable because of a fever, Hinch moved Reynolds from third base to first and started Ryan Roberts at third. Reynolds played one inning at first base a year ago.
There is a school of thought that Reynolds likely would cut down on his errors if he moved to first base, which could help Chad Tracy get time at third and allow him to find a rhythm at the plate.
Tracy is scheduled to start at third today when the Diamondbacks begin a three-game set against the Reds. Reynolds, however, doesn’t anticipate donning a first baseman’s glove beyond Sunday.
“If it means I’m going to help the team win and I’m still here and have a jersey for every game, I’ll do whatever they tell me to do,” he said.
Calling pitches
Many managers will send signals to the catcher about what pitch they want in certain situations. Bob Melvin, fired last week, did it during his tenure with the Diamondbacks.
Hinch said he will trust catchers Chris Snyder and Miguel Montero to call the shots.
“We talk about it after innings, between innings and before innings, but Snyder and Montero know everything we’re trying to do,” Hinch said. “Will I offer a suggestion now and then? Sure, but I haven’t (called pitches), and I don’t intend to unless I feel very strongly about something.”
Short hops
• Shortstop Stephen Drew, on the disabled list with a strained right hamstring, went 1 for 5 with a triple in his first game of a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Reno on Sunday.
Hinch said Drew could be activated before the end of this homestand.
• Augie Ojeda, who has been ill, is expected to start at shortstop Monday, Hinch said.