Holland to get 'breather' from closer role

MIAMI -- D-backs right-hander Greg Holland will get a break from the closer’s role after back-to-back shaky outings.

Holland walked the first two batters he faced last Wednesday against the Orioles and D-backs manager Torey Lovullo quickly removed him from that game.

Then Friday night against the Marlins, Holland came on in the ninth to protect a 2-1 lead and allowed the first three runners to reach as the Marlins scored two runs to win, 3-2.

“I’ve explained to [Holland] that I want it to be a temporary thing,” Lovullo said before Sunday’s 5-1 loss to the Marlins. “I talked to several people that I trust inside of this clubhouse and tried to get as much information as I could before I made an emotional or hasty decision, and I feel like this is the best thing for the team and the best thing for him right now.”

Holland had been reliable for a large chunk of the season, registering 17 saves, but he has had some hiccups.

Along with the past two outings, Holland had back-to-back appearances against the Dodgers in Los Angeles at the beginning of July when he suffered walk-off losses.

While Holland attempts to get back on track, right-handers Yoan Lopez, Yoshihisa Hirano and Archie Bradley along with lefty Andrew Chafin will get chances to close out games, depending on matchups.

“We’re just going to give [Holland] a little bit of a breather and have him go out in perhaps a different inning, collect some big outs and get on a roll and find his way back into that closer’s situation,” Lovullo said.

Roster move

Following Sunday afternoon’s game, the D-backs optioned reliever Stefan Crichton to Triple-A Reno and reinstated starter Taylor Clarke from the paternity list. Clarke, who is scheduled to start Tuesday against the Yankees, had been on the paternity list since Friday.