Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Mark Reynolds Keeps Job as Chad Tracy Returns

Despite being moved to seventh in the batting order and hitting just .225, Mark Reynolds will remain the Diamondbacks starting third baseman for now and incumbent Chad Tracy will come off the bench, manager Bob Melvin told The Arizona Republic.

Tracy has returned from an extensive layoff after knee surgery, making his first appearance at first base when Melvin gave Conor Jackson a day off. But Tracy has been cast as a spot starter and pinch hitter until further notice.

"We'll see how it goes," Melvin said. "We'll see physically where we are from day to day."

Melvin likened Tracy's temporary role to that formerly filled by supersub Tony Clark, who still resides in the Phoenix area but now comes off the bench for the San Diego Padres.