Joe Saunders Starting Saturday For Diamondbacks

Arizona Diamondbacks lefthander Joe Saunders has been on the disabled list for nearly a month with a shoulder strain. Now, he’s ready to return to Arizona’s rotation:

Joe Saunders’ rehab start in Arizona League yesterday: 4 1/3 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 7 K. Gibson said Saunders to face Cubs on Saturday.

— Nick Piecoro
(@nickpiecoro) July 9,
2012

That’s not a real promising outing, particularly all the walks, but maybe Saunders was working on particular pitches or something. No roster move has yet been officially announced, but we do know this:

#Diamondbacks to shift RHP Josh Collmenter to bullpen to make room for RHP Joe Saunders in rotation, according to beat writer Steve Gilbert.

— Joe Kacik (@JKacik) July 13,
2012

That likely means a reliever will be sent down to make room for Saunders, and Trevor Bauer, who was recalled when Saunders hit the DL, will stay in the D’backs rotation.

For more on the D’backs, please visit AZ Snakepit and SB Nation Arizona.

Diamondbacks DL Joe Saunders With Strained Shoulder

Friday, Joe Saunders couldn't warm up. Saturday, Joe Saunders was on the disabled list.