Gibson sticks with same lineup against Rays

PHOENIX -- For the first time since July 5-6, a span of 24 games, D-backs manager Kirk Gibson penciled in the same lineup for consecutive games on Wednesday.

When asked if he'll be giving certain players more consistent playing time moving forward, the skipper maintained that he'd still like to keep everyone involved. The D-backs have used 96 different batting orders this season in 113 games.

"There are so many things that go into whether or not you play somebody, I just left it the same today," Gibson said. "All in all though, everybody plays. We're in the middle of August and everybody has the chance to do good for the team."

While Gibson didn't want to look too deep into how he constructs his lineups, D-backs third baseman Eric Chavez voiced his desire to keep the batting order more constant.

"We have a deep bench and a lot of good players, but I think it's that time of the year where we have to start running guys out there regularly," he said. "Hopefully we can run out a consistent lineup and guys can get comfortable."

Cody Ross, who entered Wednesday batting .451 with three long balls and eight RBIs over his last eight games, understands the tough balancing act Gibson has to deal with, but he also said being in the lineup every day recently has helped his performance.

"Obviously, anybody will tell you that getting consistent at-bats, going out there every day, you're going to put up better numbers," he said. "But we have five [outfielders] that are everyday players and it's tough for Gibby to get us all in there. He's been doing the best he can."