SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Yasmany Tomas made an impressive return to the D-backs' lineup Friday during an 11-8 win against the Dodgers, going 3-for-3 with a double in his first taste of game action since a "B" game on March 6.
A sore left knee put Tomas on the shelf, but he didn't show any ill effects at the plate or while patrolling left field.
"He looked good," D-backs manager Chip Hale said. "Good at-bats. He jumped on a couple of first pitches, and it looked like the guy had him fooled and he battled for a great at-bat and had another single."
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Tomas said he had no pain in the knee and did not anticipate any more issues with it.
After spending the offseason improving his conditioning, Tomas tweaked his approach at the plate while working with new hitting coach Dave Magadan.
"He worked extremely hard with Mags on some things prior to games," Hale said. "I thought when he was hurt he was favoring his knee and his swing wasn't the same as we had worked on. So that's one of the big reasons why we said, 'Hey, if the knee is bothering you, let's shut you down,' because we want to see that swing like he had today. It was impressive."
A struggle for Godley
On the other hand, Zack Godley, who is competing for the No. 5 spot in the rotation, allowed seven runs in 3 1/3 innings.
"Just didn't have it," he said.
Those are almost the exact words Archie Bradley spoke less than 24 hours earlier after a rough outing against the Cubs.
Godley, Bradley and Tyler Wagner are still in the mix for the final rotation slot, but the leading candidate clearly is Robbie Ray, who has a 1.86 ERA in three Cactus League games.
Ray pitched in a Minor League game Friday and worked 5 2/3 scoreless innings.
"Godley struggled a little bit," Hale said. "Struggled with command, struggled to get the ball down, and those guys got some pitches to hit and they punished him. So he's got to get the ball down. He's got to be able to use all of his pitches. Just like Archie yesterday, he can't afford to be predictable. "
Sneaking up
Outfielder Evan Marzilli continued his impressive spring Friday with a 3-for-4 effort that included three RBIs.
If Tomas wins the left-field job and the D-backs decide Socrates Brito should play every day in the Minors, then keep an eye on Marzilli.
"He's doing a great job," Hale said. "Having a great camp. There's been some impressive at-bats. He's a guy that we know is a top-flight center fielder, which if you're thinking about a guy off the bench, he can come in and play defense anywhere."