Montero's belief in rotation still strong

PHOENIX -- D-backs catcher Miguel Montero has a front-row seat when it comes to the struggles of Arizona's rotation, and he's not ready to give up on the starting pitchers.

"I know we're going to get out of this rut and have a good run," Montero said.

Entering Wednesday's game, the D-backs' rotation had the worst ERA in the Majors at 7.82, nearly two runs worse than the 29th-ranked Twins.

"I know it grinds on him," D-backs manager Kirk Gibson said of Montero. "Catchers take it personally."

Gibson added that Montero has been a vocal encourager of the pitchers -- as well as the entire team -- during games.

"One thing is for sure, I've got their backs," Montero said of the rotation. "I'm going to keep working to help them get better."