D-backs skip batting practice for second straight day

PHOENIX -- With his team in a stretch of 20 games in 20 days and coming off a disheartening sweep at the hands of the Dodgers, D-backs manager Kirk Gibson did not have his team take batting practice before Thursday night's game with the Brewers.

So when the D-backs went out and beat Milwaukee, 5-3, to snap their losing streak, Gibson had them once again skip on-field batting practice and report to the ballpark later than usual Friday.

While most players still took pregame swings in the indoor batting cage, not having to be there early and hit on the field was a welcome respite during the grind of the season.

"I think sometimes BP can be a little overrated," veteran outfielder Cody Ross said. "Obviously it helps just to go out there and get loose and get the blood flowing. That's basically what I use it for, just to get loose. Any time that I want to work on my swing, I try to do it in the cage as opposed to during BP."

The later arrival time also drew smiles.

"It can definitely help rejuvenate a little bit," Ross said. "You get excited when you hear no BP, because it just gets so routine-oriented in this game. You can spend a little more time at home."