D-backs skip Bumgarner's next start to get vet back on track
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KANSAS CITY -- D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said Wednesday he has decided to skip veteran left-hander Madison Bumgarner in the rotation for one turn as Arizona prepares to open a weekend road series against the White Sox.
“It’s just a matter of tweaking a couple of things and getting back on track,” Lovullo said.
Bumgarner has allowed at least five runs in each of his last five starts, which sent his ERA from 3.71 to 4.53.
The D-backs plan to use Tommy Henry, Merrill Kelly and Zach Davies as their starters in the White Sox set. Lovullo said Bumgarner will be returning to the rotation sometime while Arizona hosts the Phillies from Aug. 29-31.
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“My conversation with Bum was great,” Lovullo said. “He was receptive of it. He understood. I don’t think he liked it, I don’t think anybody would. But he understood there was a reason for it.
“Bum and I have a great relationship based on trust and honesty. I don’t lie to him. I told him what I thought, and he accepted it.”
Lovullo said Bumgarner will be working on “very subtle things” with pitching coach Brent Strom.
“We have a great architect in [Strom]” Lovullo said. “I know they are going to get to work over these next several days.”