D-backs tab prospect Holmberg for spot start

PHOENIX -- Needing a spot starter in place of Trevor Cahill, who worked four innings in Arizona's 18-inning marathon game Saturday against the Phillies, the D-backs will turn to David Holmberg on Tuesday vs. the Padres. The left-hander will be called up from Double-A Mobile to make his Major League debut.

Ranked by MLB.com as the D-backs' No. 5 prospect, Holmberg is 5-7 this year with a 2.66 ERA and 115 strikeouts over 25 starts for Mobile. Arizona named the 22-year-old its Minor League Pitcher of the Month for June after he posted a 3-1 record with a 1.73 ERA in five outings. More recently, Holmberg has been even better. Through his last six starts, he boasts a 1.57 ERA.

"He has been throwing the ball good," D-backs manager Kirk Gibson said. "He has the ability to throw any pitch at any time. That's kind of who he is. He's not David Wells yet, but the way he throws, he' got a good curveball, slider, changeup, and he moves his fastball around. He just knows how to pitch. If he can keep the ball in play and let us take care of it, I like our chances."

Asked whether or not Holmberg will stay with the team past Tuesday, Gibson replied, "I don't know yet."

The D-backs acquired Holmberg along with Daniel Hudson in exchange for Edwin Jackson back in 2010 in a trade with the White Sox. He was Chicago's second-round pick in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft.

The D-backs will announce the corresponding move for Holmberg on Tuesday afternoon. The club will also have to make room for him on the 40-man roster, meaning Cody Ross (hip surgery) will likely be moved to the 60-day disabled list.