PHOENIX -- After experiencing a cramp Sunday afternoon, D-backs catcher Chris Herrmann said his right hamstring was feeling better and that he was available if needed in Monday's series opener with the Phillies.
D-backs manager Chip Hale said Herrmann's hamstring was "good but not great," so he was going to try and stay away from using him.
Complicating matters is that not only is Herrmann the D-backs' backup catcher, he's also their only backup center fielder so they hope to be able to get him in the lineup at some point this week to give Michael Bourn a rest.
When he does play next, Herrmann will be sporting new footwear. He has joined a growing number of baseball players who have bought basketball shoes and had them converted into baseball cleats.
"I think it's just because it's more comfortable," Herrmann said. "If you wear a basketball shoe you have a lot of support and they just feel really good on your feet."
When the D-backs were recently in Toronto, Herrmann said he noticed Josh Donaldson wearing basketball shoes and asked him about it. Then he went out to the store and bought some basketball shoes, and sent them out to get converted.
Worth noting
• Outfielder Rickie Weeks Jr. will likely get more playing time in the outfield going forward. Weeks came into Monday's game hitting .258 with four homers and 10 RBIs and has shown an ability to put together tough at-bats.
Meanwhile Peter O'Brien, who had been getting the majority of starts in left, has struggled since being called up from Triple-A Reno.
O'Brien is hitting .140 with five hits (four of them homers) in 50 at-bats and has struck out 21 times.
"Pete will get back in there, but as of right now Rickie is just earning these at-bats," Hale said. "[O'Brien] is just swinging at too many balls that aren't strikes. We just need to get his eye better."