D-backs shift rotation to give arms a break

PHOENIX -- In an effort to give their starting pitchers extra rest, the D-backs have adjusted their rotation.

Instead of Robbie Ray getting the start in Sunday's series finale against the A's, the D-backs have called up right-hander Allen Watson from Triple-A Reno to start. Ray will start Monday's series opener in Colorado.

Patrick Corbin will then start the first game of Tuesday's day-night doubleheader, with Rubby De La Rosa starting the second game. Chase Anderson takes the mound for the series finale Wednesday.

Ray labored through the first inning of his last start, throwing a whopping 44 pitches in the frame.

"I think after Robbie's last outing, everybody talking from the top down, we felt like it would be good to give him an extra day," D-backs manager Chip Hale said.

Ray and the rest of the rotation also received an extra day the last time through the rotation.