Arizona Diamondbacks: Fernando Rodney suffers another implosion

The Arizona Diamondbacks blew a five run ninth inning lead, and dropped their second straight game.

This is not the way a playoff contender is supposed to shut down their opponent. With a five-run advantage coming into the ninth and closer Fernando Rodney, tied for second in the NL in saves, planted on the mound, the win was nearly assured.

That is until Rodney turned the clock to early April and suffered another embarrassing and mortifying implosion. After reliever Andrew Chafin allowed two runs and the visiting San Diego Padres crept to within four runs in the ninth, manager Torey Lovullo called upon Rodney to shut the door. Instead, Rodney buried himself, allowed four runs in the frame, and the Diamondbacks dropped a humiliating 8-7 defeat to the Padres before 34,156 in Chase Field.

The loss was the second straight for Arizona, and that has not happened since the Diamondbacks were swept by the Minnesota Twins from Aug. 18-20. Plus, the Padres took the first two games in this series and the Diamondbacks have now lost a series for the first time since swept by the Twins.

After the Rodney meltdown, Lovullo told Call to the Pen this defeat merged together with a few others this season. The full effect has not registered, and Lovullo indicated he’ll gain a perspective the next day.

"“This team is feeling the sting right now, and I am, too,” he said. “That shows how much we care. These guys are bothered by what happened.”"

According to Lovullo, the key batter in the six-run San Diego ninth inning was outfielder Jabari Blash, who drew a one-out walk on an eight pitch at-bat. That followed with three straight hits and costly error from left fielder David Peralta, who allowed Manuel Margot to score the winning run. In all, Rodney was changed with four runs (three earned) in the one-third of an inning and took the loss.

The defeat overshadowed a solid effort from starter Zack Godley.

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In between an infield single to Margot to open the game and pinch-hitter Luis Torrens reaching base on a third strike in the sixth, Godley retired 16 straight hitters.

In the closing innings, Godley appeared to run out of gas. After getting the first two hitters in the seventh, he allowed three straight hits, including a two-run homer to Wil Myers. Overall, Godley exited after surrendering two runs, four hits, walked none and fanned nine hitters for seven innings plus two batters into the seventh.

Throughout, Godley’s fastball command was impressive as was his ability to keep the ball down in the zone.

"“I thought my fastball resulted in more ground balls than my curve, he said. “I felt great and in command. In the seventh, I made a few mistakes, and they made me pay. Myers put a good swing for his homer. The loss is tough, but we’ll be fine. We have to go out play better tomorrow.”"

The offense lifted the Diamondbacks out to a 7-2 lead headed into the ninth. Both Daniel Descalso and Ketel Marte reached base four times, and Descalso added his 10^th homer of the season to lead-off the sixth.

Marte had an opportunity to create a come-from-behind win in the ninth, but struck out with the bases loaded and two outs to end this one.

In the trainer’s room

Right-hander Randall Delgado has been shut down for the season.

On the disabled list since July 16 with right elbow inflammation, Delgado suffered a recent setback in his rehab program. A flexor strain was discovered in his right elbow, and x-rays were sent to Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Alabama. Because of the path of Hurricane Irma, the Diamondbacks are uncertain when Dr. Andrews will actually receive the x-rays. At the same time, Delgado is not scheduled to visit, and the club is awaiting the response of Dr. Andrews.

Manager Torey Lovullo told Call to the Pen that once a flexor strain is discovered, Tommy John surgery could result.

In regard to Tommy John surgery, right-hander Shelby Miller, who underwent that procedure on April 24, was in the Diamondbacks’ clubhouse Saturday. Just before undergoing surgery this past spring, Miller pointed out he hopes to begin throwing in spring training. Given the Diamondbacks’ conservative approach to this procedure, it’s likely the rehab period could be 12 to 18 months.

At the earliest, Miller could be back after the All-Star game in Washington next July, or in the worst case, miss the entire 2018 season.

At this point, Lovullo told Call to the Pen that Miller’s rehab program is progressing well, but a timetable for any baseball activity has not be established.

"“(Shelby) is getting back to his old self, and his program is right on schedule,” he said. “I know Shelby is anxious to get back on the mound, but I’m not sure if he’ll be ready for spring training.”"

Next: Brewers' Nelson to miss remainder of season

Next

The weekend series with the Padres concludes with a matinee on Sunday. Lefty Robbie Ray (3-0, 0.93 ERA in last three starts; 12-5, 2.80 ERA overall) takes on right-hander Luis Perdomo (7-9, 4.62).

The Colorado Rockies then move into the desert for a four-game series. That includes three night games and a Thursday matinee.