Snake bites

• Right-hander Brandon McCarthy will likely throw a flat-ground bullpen session Tuesday as he continues to work his way back from shoulder inflammation.

"It's the normal super uninteresting progression where it's just every day just kind of gauge it and start throwing and building back up strength and just kind of doing rehab work," said McCarthy, who was placed on the disabled list June 1.

McCarthy believes he is close to beginning to throw off the mound in a bullpen session.

"Some point this week, probably," he said.

McCarthy has not suffered any side effects from medication he's taking after suffering a seizure a couple of weeks ago. The only lingering problem from the seizure is that McCarthy still has not recovered feeling in half of his tongue.

• Closer J.J. Putz threw a bullpen session Monday and could be close to starting an injury rehab assignment.

"I feel great," Putz said. "Everything is coming out good."

D-backs manager Kirk Gibson said Putz might throw a live batting practice session before starting a rehab assignment.

• Gibson said several times during the series with the Padres that resulted in a sweep that he was unhappy with the approach of his hitters.

"I probably should have given more credit to the Padres' pitchers," Gibson said. "They really pounded the zone, got ahead and then made good quality pitches on the edges."