PHOENIX -- After using five pitchers on Opening Day, the D-backs decided they needed to freshen up the bullpen a little bit and optioned right-hander Silvino Bracho to Triple-A Reno while selecting the contract of Kyle Drabek from Reno before Tuesday's 11-6 win over the Rockies.
Ace Zack Greinke surprisingly lasted just four innings in Monday's opener, and long man Randall Delgado went 1 2/3 innings and Bracho 1 1/3. That meant that Delgado and Bracho were probably unavailable for the next couple of days.
"Could we get through it?" D-backs manager Chip Hale said. "Probably. But then you're pitching guys you want to save for games you're up, in case you get down especially early again. That was a move we had to make. It was unfortunate for Silvino. That's what's going to happen this year with the pitchers with [Minor League] options. When we have to protect our bullpen, we're going to have to do these things."
Bracho nabbed the final spot in the bullpen over Evan Marshall and Enrique Burgos, who both had outstanding springs.
The reason neither of them were recalled was because once a player is optioned to the Minors -- as they both were Saturday -- he must remain there for at least 10 days unless he is recalled to replace an injured player.
To make room on the 40-man roster for Drabek, the D-backs transferred outfielder A.J. Pollock to the 60-day disabled list. Players on the 60-day DL do not count against a team's 40-man.