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D-backs promote Evans, option Marte to Reno

PHOENIX -- An Arizona native will soon get his chance to play for his hometown team.

The D-backs called up Glendale native Nick Evans from Triple-A Reno on Wednesday and optioned outfielder Alfredo Marte to Reno.

"I don't think there's any kid that grew up in Arizona that was a Diamondbacks fan that wasn't there dream to play for this team," Evans said. "To say it's a dream come true would be kind of an understatement for me."

Evans, 28, who attended Phoenix St. Mary's High School, has been one of Reno's best hitters this season. In 44 games, Evans was hitting .335 and led the team with 11 home runs. He was tied for the Pacific Coast League lead in RBIs (44) and was third in the league in OPS (1.034).

"I started swinging the bat well and I just tried to keep it the same every day, and try to stay consistent," Evans said.

Marte struggled in limited time with the D-backs this season. The 25-year-old outfielder was hitting .227 (5-for-22) and had three RBIs.

D-backs manager Kirk Gibson sees Evans primarily serving as a pinch-hitter with occasional appearances in the field.

"For the most part, we're going to rotate our guys [in the outfield]," Gibson said. "Nick can pinch hit … I could put him over there at third.

"Left field, [he] would probably be one of the last guys I'd use out there, but he has played quite a bit recently."

In Reno, Evans played 14 games at third base, 12 at first base and 11 in left field. In the Major Leagues, he primarily played outfield and first base.

Evans has been successful in a platoon role at the Major League level. Against left-handers, Evans has a .295 average and an .849 OPS. Against right-handers, those marks fall to .224 and .595, respectively.

Evans played parts of four seasons with the Mets from 2008-11. In 2011, he saw his most Major League playing time, getting into 59 games and hitting .256 (45-for-176). He missed most of the '12 season with a broken left hand he sustained diving for a bunted ball.

"You miss a whole year and then I got released in Spring Training last year," Evans said. "You start to think; you don't know what's going to happen.

"To get back here really is special for me."

Steve Gilbert is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Inside the D-backs, and follow him on Twitter @SteveGilbertMLB. Adam Lichtenstein is an associate reporter for MLB.com.
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