Parra becoming mainstay in D-backs' outfield

CHICAGO -- When it comes to playing time in the outfield, D-backs manager Kirk Gibson will try to rotate A.J. Pollock, Cody Ross and Jason Kubel between two spots, trying to keep them both rested and sharp at the same time.

When it comes to Gerardo Parra, though, expect to see the outfielder in the lineup nearly every day.

"He just keeps getting better," Gibson said of Parra. "He's got a very quick bat. He's unreal, the enthusiasm he brings, the dialogue that he has, he's just really coming into his own. He's certainly ready for it, he's certainly earned this opportunity. Got to keep him healthy, though."

After starting both this year and last as the team's fourth outfielder, Parra is loathe to come out of the lineup for any reason, so Gibson will have to be proactive about giving him days off.

"If I see 'G' getting tired, I'll get him out of there," Gibson said. "He doesn't want to get out of there. He's already played through some injury, he's already played through some sickness. One day we put a couple of IV bags in him and he went out and played and had a great game for us."