Snake bites

• Top prospect Tyler Skaggs is off to a slow start at Triple-A Reno. The left-hander is 2-4 with a 6.89 ERA in his first six starts.

"Confidence," Towers said when asked what was the reason for the struggles. "He didn't have a real good spring, and if you don't have a good spring and you've got to get things back on track pitching in the [Pacific Coast League] -- specifically at Reno -- it's hard."

The PCL has long been known as a league that is tough on pitchers given the altitude of some of the parks as well as the configurations of some of the ballparks.

• After putting together a 1.42 ERA in five starts for Double-A Mobile, right-hander Zeke Spruill was promoted to Reno.

In his first start for Reno, he tossed 5 2/3 innings and allowed just one unearned run.

"He keeps the ball down, throws strikes, good sinker, good split," Towers said. "I think we're still undecided if he's a starter or a reliever. I think he could do either."

• Heading into Monday's game, the D-backs had played the toughest schedule in the Majors based on opponent's winning percentage.

The D-backs' opponents had a .545 winning percentage, ahead of the Rays (.544) and Cardinals (.540).

"We beat some great teams," Gibson said. "We need to play consistent baseball, execute at all ends -- offensively, defensively, on the bases. We've got to get our mojo back a little bit."

• Gibson is among the 77 players and five coaches who are eligible for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame this year. Gibson was a standout wide receiver at Michigan State University.

"I don't care," Gibson said about the nomination. "I want to win tonight. It's not a goal of mine. I'd rather be a world champion."