The D-backs have partnered with Caesars Entertainment, Inc. to launch mobile sports betting in Arizona and to build a sportsbook and bar concept on the plaza adjacent to Chase Field where the former Game 7 Grill was located.

“We went through a thorough process to identify the ideal partner that would bring experience and the strongest of reputations in legalized gaming,” D-backs team president/CEO Derrick Hall said. “Caesars is considered the cream of the crop and aligns with our philosophy when it comes to professionalism, brand presentation, customer treatment and best in class William Hill’s mobile sports book product. Equally important, we went through our strong due diligence to find the industry leader in the education and execution of responsible gaming.”

The deal also grants Caesars Entertainment mobile sports betting market access and exclusive sponsorship in sports betting and daily fantasy sports for the D-backs. In tandem, Caesars also finalized a multi-year agreement with Major League Baseball (MLB) to become an Authorized Gaming Operator of the league.

“We have long enjoyed successful gaming operations in Arizona and are delighted to expand into sports betting alongside the Arizona Diamondbacks,” Tom Reeg, CEO of Caesars Entertainment said. “Together, we have the opportunity to create new ways for baseball fans to engage with the game both in-person near the ballpark and online anywhere in Arizona. Our ability to tie those into our Caesars Rewards network will create an unbeatable experience for any sports fan.”

When sports betting becomes available in Arizona, fans will be able to download the sports book app to make a bet anywhere in the state. Through mobile betting, fans can earn credits and tier status to unlock experiences through the industry-leading loyalty program Caesars Rewards. Credits can be redeemed in the form of unbeatable hospitality, entertainment, food and beverage, and gaming experiences, including access to VIP experiences with the D-backs at Chase Field.

Discussing Weaver

D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said that he and his staff are still discussing the next steps for Luke Weaver, who has struggled in his last four starts, including Wednesday night's loss in Miami.

"We're right in the middle of that conversation," Lovullo said. "We're trying to make the best decisions moving forward to help this team win baseball games every single night. So, we'll finalize those conversations and like I said, everybody every single night gets evaluated, and there's no exceptions.

"And that's our job. That's what we're supposed to do. We're evaluators, we're teachers and we're going to try and figure out the best solutions possible each and every night to maximize our chance to win baseball games and that's what these discussions will be centered around."

Speaking of the rotation

Zac Gallen will start Friday night's series opener against the Mets at Citi Field, but Lovullo said no decision had been made yet on who will start Saturday and Sunday's games.

Merrill Kelly, who was placed on the injured list Tuesday for an undisclosed reason, is expected to start one of those games.

Working his way back

Right-hander Joakim Soria was activated off the injured list Tuesday and saw his first game action since April 4 when he allowed a pair of runs in one inning of work Wednesday night.

Soria, who was expected to pitch at the back end of the bullpen when the season opened, came on in the seventh inning with the D-backs trailing 6-0.

Lovullo said he used Soria in that situation because he wanted to ease him back into things and he expects Soria to resume his role late in games soon.