Chad Qualls has replaced struggling Brandon Lyon as the Arizona.
MLB Baseball NewsChad Qualls has replaced struggling Brandon Lyon as the Arizona. Closer as the Diamondbacks try to stay in the NL West race over the final two weeks of the season.
The right-handed Qualls (4-8, 3.11 ERA) has been the best pitcher out of an otherwise shaky bullpen of late. He has not allowed a run in 17 of his last 18 appearances and has a 1.02 ERA since the All-Star break.
“He’s picked up a lot of confidence,” manager Bob Melvin said in announcing the change before the Diamondbacks played Cincinnati on Saturday.
Lyon (2-5, 5.23) has an 11.57 ERA since the All-Star break, allowing 21 runs in 16 1-3 innings.
He gave up two runs in the ninth in a 4-3 loss at San Francisco on Wednesday. Lyon came on in relief in the ninth Friday night against Cincinnati with a 3-0 lead and gave up two runs before Qualls replaced him. With runners at first and third, Qualls struck out Jerry Hairston Jr. to preserve Brandon Webb’s 20th victory of the season.
Lyon understood the move, Melvin said.
“All he wants to do is help the team win,” the manager said. “In that respect, he took it like a pro.”
Lyon has 26 saves in 31 opportunities this season.
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Rangers’ Bradley ejected for arguing.
Texas designated hitter Milton Bradley got ejected, then was held back from a further argument in the fourth inning Saturday against Oakland.
Bradley grounded into a double play, but thought he beat the relay throw. He argued with first base umpire Angel Campos and kept exchanging words while leaving the field.
Texas manager Ron Washington came out to discuss the play and left after a few moments. Moments later, Campos signaled an ejection – it was the fourth time Bradley was ejected this season.
Bradley, who has been bothered by a lower back sprain, sprinted back from the dugout back onto the field and yelled at Campos, and first base coach Gary Pettis stepped between them.
Umpire crew chief Tim McClelland ran down the line from home plate, and Washington came back out to help intercede as Pettis pushed back Bradley.
Bradley eventually left the field as the Oakland crowd booed. The one-time A’s outfielder raised both hands while he walked down the tunnel and to the Rangers clubhouse.
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