Diamondbacks vs Cardinals updates. A plan for Adrian Del Castillo

Adrian Del Castillo, called up from Triple-A Reno on Saturday, July 18, was in the lineup for the Diamondbacks a day later against the St. Louis Cardinals. He batted eighth as the designated hitter.

Del Castillo went 11 for 22 with a pair of home runs in six games at Reno after being sent down on July 4. Manager Torey Lovullo sees Del Castillo as a catcher/DH option in the lineup, though Gabriel Moreno and James McCann figure to receive the bulk of time at catcher.

When Moreno is catching, Del Castillo can slot in as the DH.

“I don’t want to close out catching, he (Del Castillo) might find himself in certain games if I pinch run for someone,” Lovullo said. “Maybe pinch hit for McCann. He’s going to find a few innings behind the plate, but primarily as the DH at some point inside of a lineup that needs to be constructed in the way that it is (Sunday).

“‘Del’ is a good hitter. When his timing’s right, when the flow to the swing is on time, he can impact the baseball, he can impact a baseball game.”

Del Castillo has also played a little first base for the Diamondbacks, but Lovullo sees him as a “third or fourth” option at that spot.

Diamondbacks pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez, Sunday’s starter, pitched a scoreless inning in the All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 14.

Rodriguez lobbied National League manager Dave Roberts for another inning of work, but Roberts, Lovullo said, declined the request with respect to Lovullo.

“That’s such a good sign for him and for us,” Lovullo said of Rodriguez. Lovullo was asked if he’d have been OK with another inning for Rodriguez.

“No,” Lovullo deadpanned. “I would not have. I think that’s what ‘Doc’ (Roberts) told him. He said ‘Do you want Torey to call me and yell at me? I gotta get you outta there.'”

Diamondbacks relief pitcher Justin Martinez threw to live hitters on Saturday, July 18, and that apparently went well enough that Lovullo didn’t have an update on Sunday.

Martinez is on the 60-day injured list and working his way back from elbow surgery.

Martinez, Lovullo said, could pitch a couple of more live sessions before working in a game.
at Diamondbacks, 1:10 p.m., Cox, Ch. 34

Diamondbacks LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (8-3, 2.29) vs. Cardinals RHP Andre Pallante (10-6, 3.96).

At Chase Field: Rodriguez tossed six innings of two-run ball against the Dodgers in his final start before the All-Star break. It was his fifth consecutive quality start and the 15th time in 19 outings in which he allowed two or fewer runs. … Rodriguez retired the side in order in the second inning of the July 14 All-Star Game in Philadelphia. It was his first career All-Star appearance. … He faced the Cardinals on June 23, giving up three hits and three walks in 6 2/3 scoreless innings. … Pallante has allowed five or more runs in two of his past three outings, most recently giving up six runs in five-plus innings against the Brewers. … He threw well against the Diamondbacks on June 22, giving up one run in six innings. … Pallante averages 95.3 mph with his fastball. He also primarily throws a slider, sinker and curveball.

Monday, July 20: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks LHP Mitch Bratt (0-0, 6.00) vs. Athletics LHP Jeffrey Springs (3-9, 6.08).

Tuesday, July 21: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks TBA vs. Athletics RHP Jack Perkins (2-5, 6.87).

Wednesday, July 22: At Chase Field, 12:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Merrill Kelly (7-8, 5.20) vs. Athletics LHP Gage Jump (3-5, 3.78).

(This story has been updated to add information.)

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Diamondbacks vs Cardinals updates. A plan for Adrian Del Castillo