Diamondbacks make good use of off-days to stay locked in during MLB postseason

Diamondbacks aim to keep momentum rolling despite off days

In a bid to continue their momentum from four consecutive postseason wins, the Diamondbacks held a mandatory workout day prior to Game 3. They have had five off-days on the schedule since the end of the regular season, but they’ve held a workout on four of them. The only exception was the day after they finished their wild-card sweep of the Brewers, when they were flying to Los Angeles.

The strategy is in contrast to the Dodgers. On Tuesday, ahead of Wednesday’s Game 3, the Dodgers only had an optional workout. Notably, manager Dave Roberts was not in attendance, saying that he stayed back at the team hotel for a meeting with members of the front office.

“I think as much time as we spend together, some guys need to be away,” Roberts said Tuesday. “And for me, I welcome that.”

In his pre-game press conference Wednesday, Lovullo offered a different perspective.

“I just wanted to get the guys in one place at one time and just keep that momentum going,” Lovullo said. “I don't want anybody to take a day off right now. I want guys to come in, still keep that rhythm and that flow and that feel. That's really important. I talked about that competitive focus yesterday. I think that's a real thing.”

—Theo Mackie

Evan Longoria back in Diamondbacks' lineup after hit by pitch

Evan Longoria, who has started each of the Diamondbacks’ first four postseason games at third base, is again in the lineup for Wednesday’s Game 3.

Longoria was hit by a pitch on the left hand in the ninth inning of Game 2. He was replaced by pinch-runner Jordan Lawlar — a move that may have been in the cards regardless of the hit by pitch. X-rays came back negative and Lovullo described Longoria as “day to day” after the game.

The Diamondbacks’ two other primary third base options, Jace Peterson and Emmanuel Rivera, have both struggled this season. Longoria has not been much better, but he carries significant postseason experience. He is 3 for 15 (.200) with a double and several key defensive plays in these playoffs.

—Theo Mackie

Game 4 pitching matchup set

If the Dodgers win Wednesday, forcing a Game 4 of this NLDS, the pitching matchup will be a repeat of a Game 1. That means the Diamondbacks would pit right-hander Merrill Kelly against Dodgers' left-hander Clayton Kershaw.

Kelly pitched 6 2/3 scoreless in Game 1, while Kershaw was lit up for six runs in just 1/3 of an inning. In the regular season, Kelly was 12-8 with a 3.29 ERA. Kershaw was 13-5 with a 2.46 ERA.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: DBacks' off-day workouts keep players locked in during MLB postseason