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PHOENIX -- Tyler Skaggs pitched so well in his major-league debut Wednesday that he forced himself into the Diamondbacks' starting rotation, now standing at six. Whether that move will be enough to offset the big-money moves that the Los Angeles Dodgers were contemplating Friday remains to be seen.
By the time the D-backs and Dodgers open a four-game series in Los Angeles next Thursday, the Dodgers could have added All-Stars Adrian Gonzalez and Josh Beckett, if reports out of Boston regarding a possible trade between the Dodgers and Red Sox are to be believed.
Regardless, the D-backs did not seem fazed.
"That really doesn't affect this club at all," D-backs center fielder Chris Young said.
"To make it to the playoffs, you have to be able to beat the best teams anyway, so no matter what any other team is doing out there, as long as you continue to stay focused on your goal … It's not about what are they going to do and what are we going to do? You just keep pushing."
Gonzalez and Beckett were available when the Red Sox placed them on revocable waivers, as the D-backs have done with left-hander Joe Saunders, right fielder Justin Upton and about 10 other players since Aug. 1, sources said. That group is believed to include outfielders Young and Gerardo Parra.
The D-backs are not interested in trading any except perhaps Saunders, who is to be a free agent this winter and thus would bring no compensation. But placing a player on revocable waivers – he can return to the D-backs with no harm done – can be a good way to gauge interest for possible offseason trade discussions.
Upton has become used to having his name in the headlines this season, after general manager Kevin Towers said at midseason that while he would have to be "overwhelmed" to trade Upton, he would listen if other teams wanted to talk.
Of the news that he had been placed on waivers, Upton said: "It surprised me a little bit when I saw it, but it doesn't faze me too much.
"If it's important, somebody will tell me. But until then, I'm not going to stress about it."
Upton remained out of the lineup Friday because of a hamstring injury suffered early Tuesday, but he does not seem a candidate for the disabled list. Willie Bloomquist, however, felt stiffness in his back after hitting a triple for the D-backs' Arizona League team on Thursday and was not activated from the disabled list despite being eligible.
With Bloomquist still out and Skaggs remaining, the D-backs are pitcher-heavy, carrying 13 pitchers and 12 position players. The D-backs may wait until Bloomquist is healthy to change their roster composition, although there is no timetable.
"It's not bad like it was, but he's not stiff-free. I'm not going to rush him back," manager Kirk Gibson said.
The six-man rotation will be used at least the next time through, Gibson said, although the D-backs have not announced their rotation for the Cincinnati series that begins Monday. Since Skaggs and Wade Miley both pitched Wednesday, either could start Monday. Miley, a top NL Rookie of the Year candidate, seems likely.
"As of today, that's what we have. Things could change," Gibson said.
Asked if he expected change, Gibson said, "I don't know. Things change from day to day, certainly at this time of the year. There are a lot of things that go on, that can happen. Health is an issue. You guys know what time of the year it is, as well."
The unorthodox six-man rotation could be alleviated if the D-backs can work out a trade for Saunders, who sources said cleared waivers Thursday and can now be traded to any team at any time. It is unclear of the interest level since no team claimed him during the 48-hour waiver period. Any teams wishing to add Saunders as a possible playoff piece would need to do so before the Aug. 31 deadline for postseason eligibility.
Saunders, who makes his home here, was glad he went unclaimed. If the D-backs want to go with a six-man rotation, he said it is fine with him. Saunders is 6-10 with a 4.22 ERA.
"It's going to be my first six-man rotation, so it is going to be interesting to see how you feel every seven days," said Saunders, aware that the D-backs have four off days in the next 25. "There are always benefits to extra rest. If they think that will improve how we do things out there, hopefully it works out good.
Skaggs gave up three hits, including a two-run homer, in a 3-2 victory over Miami in his major-league debut Wednesday afternoon, the first of a split doubleheader. He struck out four and walked five. If the D-backs returned to the minors after that start, he would not have been eligible to return until Sept. 2, a day after rosters expand.
"I'm just happy to be here. I'm trying to soak it all in," Skaggs said.
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