New addition Rivera shows off D-backs' future

PHOENIX -- The D-backs haven’t had much going on in the standings this year, but they got a look Thursday at new guys that could change that.

Emmanuel Rivera, who came over from Kansas City in the trade 10 days ago that sent Luke Weaver to the Royals, enjoyed his biggest day as a D-back with a home run and two doubles. His three hits were some of many as Arizona walloped Pittsburgh 9-3 at Chase Field to win the four-game series before a road trip.

Rivera belted a fourth-inning solo homer for the D-backs’ first hit off Pittsburgh starter JT Brubaker, and he wasn’t nearly done. In the seventh, the right-handed hitter drove an 0-2 pitch down the third-base line for a double that scored Sergio Alcantara and Geraldo Perdomo and gave Arizona its first lead of the afternoon in a seven-run inning.

He’d add another double off the left-field wall in the eighth. Thursday just added to his positive vibes about the trade and how he’s fitting in.

“It felt super great,” he said of the trade via a translator. “I feel like I’ve been here years now, and I’m adapting myself very well with the team.”

Adding to Arizona’s big inning was right fielder Daulton Varsho.

With the bases loaded, the third-year D-back stroked a bases-clearing 424-foot double to deep center, the longest non-home run by a D-back since last September. Varsho later stole third and came around to score himself.

This day was as much about taking three of four in the series from the Pirates as it was for the crowd on hand in Phoenix to get to know the newest D-back, including his own manager.

“We’re still getting to know his game,” said manager Torey Lovullo. “Still trying to get a feel for exactly what he does well, and so far so good. He’s got a very good heartbeat.”

Also new to the mix has been the emergence of rookie Alek Thomas. The center fielder hit leadoff Thursday afternoon and drove in a run.

“I feel like there have been some ups and downs, still trying to find some level ground. I just have to continue to stick with my approach,” Thomas said. “[Rivera’s] pretty sick. He’s a good player. I’ve been with him a week and a half and he’s been great.”

Merrill Kelly started on the mound for the D-backs and came in as one of the National League’s hottest hurlers. The July NL Pitcher of the Month said himself he’s on the best roll of his career to this point, but he struggled with his command Thursday.

Kelly pitched five innings and struck out six while allowing three runs and not factoring into the decision. He had plenty of support, though.

“The boys did a great job offensively and the pitching that we had coming after me,” he said. “Those games that you’re gonna be off are gonna happen throughout the season. It’s nice to know that just because you give up the runs doesn’t mean you’re automatically going to lose the game.”

Lovullo brought in Tyler Holton, Kevin Ginkel and Joe Mantiply from the bullpen, before turning it over to Mark Melancon in a non-save situation. The relievers combined for four shutout innings.