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.

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