D-backs weighing potential changes to rotation

PHOENIX -- The D-backs made some roster moves on Sunday, but whether they make a change in their rotation is still yet to be determined.

One day after Zack Godley lasted just 2 2/3 innings, the D-backs designated long man Matt Koch for assignment and recalled right-hander Jon Duplantier from Triple-A Reno, but his stay was brief.

Duplantier, ranked by MLB Pipeline as the team’s top pitching prospect and No. 2 D-backs prospect overall, made his second career appearance on Sunday and held the Cubs scoreless on one hit and two walks while pitching the 10th through 13th in the D-backs' 6-5 loss in 15 innings. He was optioned back to Reno after the game. The club will make a corresponding move before Tuesday's series opener vs. the Yankees at Chase Field.

As for what happens with Godley’s spot in the rotation, D-backs manager Torey Lovullo was noncommittal.

“I have some decisions to make,” Lovullo said. “I have some tough decisions to make. Right now, today, I don’t know that answer. I’m on an information search. That’s how I operate. I poll people around me. I poll everyone that I possibly can around me to make the best decision possible moving forward. I want to be fair to certain decisions that will be made, and I want to make them promptly so we can make some adjustments.”

With two off-days coming up this week, the D-backs could skip Godley’s turn in the rotation and allow him some extra time to work through whatever issues have caused him to struggle in four of his six starts this year. Or the D-backs could shift Godley to the bullpen and replace him with someone like Reno starter Taylor Clarke.

It does not appear that long reliever Matt Andriese would be a candidate.

“He hasn’t really entered the equation for me because he’s been throwing the ball exceptionally well out of the bullpen and I don’t want to disrupt that,” Lovullo said. “At this point in time, we’re going to keep him where he’s at and let him continue helping us win games in that area.”

The D-backs will also have to decide how to make room on the roster for left-handed reliever T.J. McFarland, who is nearing a return from shoulder inflammation.

“We are going to have to make some difficult decisions with guys getting healthy,” Lovullo said.