MINNEAPOLIS -- After striking out 11 in a rehab start for Class A Visalia on Thursday night, D-backs left-hander Robbie Ray will rejoin the rotation during the team's four-game set with the Mets, which starts Monday.
Ray struck out 11 over 4 2/3 innings of two-run ball against Modesto on Thursday, allowing four hits and two walks while throwing 80 pitches. Ray, who had been out with a concussion after being struck in the head by a 108.1-mph line drive July 28 against the Cardinals, was up to 96 mph on the radar gun with his fastball.
• Ray K's 11 in 1st rehab start since concussion
"Probably could have had him [start] up here, but we felt like it was in everybody's interest to go that step," D-backs general manager Mike Hazen said of Ray making the rehab start. "We just felt this would be the protocol we would follow at any other point in the season and we just felt like for him and for us it was the right step to take. It was great and we'll slot him into the New York series."
No big moves
The D-backs have struggled to maintain consistency since July 4, and while he acknowledges that his club could be playing better, Hazen said not to expect to see any trades before the end of August when the playoff rosters are set.
Players, who clear waivers are eligible to be traded after the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline. Before that Deadline, the D-backs added outfielder J.D. Martinez, infielder Adam Rosales and reliever David Hernandez to address areas of need.
"We're still watching the waiver market through the month of August, but I'm not anticipating that there's going to be major changes outside of what's in this organization," Hazen said. "It's about going out and taking hold of the opportunity, really. We're very confident in the guys that are in that clubhouse. We're not going to close our mind to anything. If there's a way or if we take on another injury, especially, but I would anticipate that this is the team that you're going to have for the rest of the season."
Mystery starter Sunday
The team has not announced who will start Sunday's series finale against the Twins.
Left-hander Anthony Banda had been slated to pitch, but he was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Thursday.
Reno right-hander Braden Shipley was scratched from a recent start so that he would be able to start Sunday if the D-backs decide to go with him. Another option is to have a "bullpen game" started by left-handed reliever T.J. McFarland.
A big factor could be how much the bullpen is needed Friday and Saturday nights.
Ahmed rehab
Shortstop Nick Ahmed will begin his rehab from a fractured right hand Saturday in the Arizona League. Ahmed will initially serve as a designated hitter.