Hernandez excelling as D-backs closer

Photo by Jordan Megenhardt

By Greg Dillard

When J.J. Putz went down with an elbow injury earlier this season, the D-backs’ bullpen was suddenly without its reliable closer. Before the injury, Putz locked down 21 saves with a 3.12 ERA in 34 appearances.

Someone was immediately needed to fill the role of closer, and David Hernandez has done just that. In his first season with the D-backs, Hernandez has been nearly unhittable in the late innings. He previously served primarily as the eighth inning setup man ahead of Putz.

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D-backs recharged after All-Star break

Photo by Jordan Megenhardt

By Greg Dillard

The All-Star break afforded many D-backs players the chance to travel and spend some time away from the diamond. The break gave them a breather from the intense grind of a 162-game season.

They now return for the final 70 games of the 2011 regular season recharged and anxious to compete for a division title.

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Kershaw anticipates tough D-backs squad

Photo by Jordan Megenhardt

By Greg Dillard

The All-Star break has come and gone, which means the second half of the 2011 regular season is set to get underway on Friday.

After a strong first-half performance, the D-backs will resume play at 49-43 and just three games behind the first-place Giants. The team posted a winning record in both May and June to climb toward the top of the National League West.

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Lincecum knows exactly where Bauer’s coming from

Photo by Jordan Megenhardt

By Josh Greene

Even a two-time Cy Young winner like Tim Lincecum was an unproven prospect at one time in his career, so the four-time Giants All-Star is well aware of what D-backs first-round draft pick Trevor Bauer has in store for himself as part of a much-anticipated rise through the Minor League ranks. Continue reading →