Snake bites

• Catcher Miguel Montero was out of the lineup for a fourth straight game Friday, but his sore back had improved to the point where he could swing a bat for the first time since experiencing the discomfort.

Montero will likely be back in the lineup Saturday.

"We got away with it so far," D-backs manager Kirk Gibson said of avoiding a DL stint. "Tonight he's not starting, but that doesn't mean he won't play. I think everyone feels much more confident with where's he's at and he feels much more comfortable with himself."

• Left-hander Wade Miley said his right leg was feeling better one day after he was hit by a sharp comebacker in his start against the Cubs.

Miley, who said he expects to make his next start without a problem, was reminded of the injury when his dog rolled over on it this morning.

"Wade was like a comedy show when he was getting treatment today in the training room," Gibson said. "It's like I told him he acts tough all the time so he had to be tough last night. He did a good job. That was no easy day in the park."