Spruill gets call to start Sunday's second game

NEW YORK -- The D-backs will add pitcher Zeke Spruill to their roster as the 26th man for Sunday's doubleheader against the Mets. Spruill will start the second game, following Game 1 starter Bronson Arroyo.

The move to summon Spruill from Triple-A Reno should allow the D-backs' rotation to stay intact for their next series with the Padres, which starts Monday. Manager Kirk Gibson said Spruill was a logical choice after Friday's game was postponed.

With the Reno Aces, Spruill has appeared in 12 games, going 2-1 with a 4.72 ERA in 34 1/3 innings pitched. Spruill, 24, was dominant in his last two starts for the Aces, as he pitched 13 1/3 combined scoreless innings.

"I think, all things considered, he's thrown the ball the best," Gibson said. "He's been here before and had some starts for us last year. I felt that was the right way to go. I'm looking forward to him throwing a good game for us."

The D-backs acquired Spruill from the Braves in the 2012 trade that sent Justin Upton and Chris Johnson to Atlanta.

Gibson mentioned that one of Spruill's best attributes is his poise. He does not expect Spruill to be fazed by trying to pitch the team to a victory while limiting the work of the bullpen.

Last year, Spruill started two games for D-backs, allowing 17 hits in 11 1/3 innings. Gibson said Spruill pitched well in Spring Training and that it was a strong possibility that he would help at some point during the season.

"The thing he didn't do last year was get lefties out," Gibson said. "So you kind of work on that and you might lose something on the other side of the ball. It will be interesting to see whether he improves in that area, because it's important that he does. He understands the importance of keeping the ball down."