D-backs activate Corbin, Hernandez from DL

PHOENIX -- The D-backs made a pair of roster moves Saturday, activating left-hander Patrick Corbin and catcher Oscar Hernandez from the disabled list and optioning reliever Matt Stites and outfielder Danny Dorn to Triple-A Reno.

Corbin, who was recovering from Tommy John surgery, started Saturday's game.

Hernandez, meanwhile, will be the team's third catcher for now. A Rule 5 pick from the Rays last December, Hernandez cannot be sent to the Minors this season without having to be offered back to Tampa Bay.

Hernandez must spend 90 days on the active roster, which means he can ill afford to miss any more time this year on the DL. If he doesn't stay on the roster for 90 games this season, he'll have to make up the difference next year.

Hernandez played in the Class A Midwest League last year so the Majors is a huge jump for him. It's something both he and the club willingly acknowledge.

"We feel like his ability to catch, he can handle that in the Major Leagues, we do feel that," D-backs manager Chip Hale said. "Bat-wise, he probably needs some work. He can handle pitchers, he can catch and throw just fine, so we're not worried about that part of the game. The offensive part's going to take some time for him. We'll see, we'll try to pick some spots to get him a start. We'll probably have to see how it is to have three catchers for a while and see where he fits."

Stites appeared in two games for the D-backs after recently being called up and the team has asked him to work on pitching down in the zone while he's in Reno.

This was Dorn's second stint with the D-backs. He got two hits in his first game on June 16 and then went hitless in his final 16 at-bats.